Abstract: A gate driver system includes a transistor configured to be driven between switching states, the transistor including a control terminal controlled by a control voltage that has a maximum rated limit; and a gate driver coupled to the control terminal by a turn-on current path, the gate driver being configured to control the control voltage in order to drive the transistor between the switching states. The turn-on current path includes a resistor and a Zener diode connected in series, with an anode of the Zener diode connected to the control terminal and a cathode of the Zener diode connected to the resistor. The turn-on current path is configured to provide an on-current to increase the control voltage above a switching threshold. While the transistor is turned on, the Zener diode is configured to limit the control voltage to a voltage level limit that is less than the maximum rated limit.

Abstract: A gate driver system includes a transistor configured to be driven between switching states, the transistor including a control terminal controlled by a control voltage that has a maximum rated limit; and a gate driver coupled to the control terminal by a turn-on current path, the gate driver being configured to control the control voltage in order to drive the transistor between the switching states. The turn-on current path includes a resistor and a Zener diode connected in series, with an anode of the Zener diode connected to the control terminal and a cathode of the Zener diode connected to the resistor. The turn-on current path is configured to provide an on-current to increase the control voltage above a switching threshold. While the transistor is turned on, the Zener diode is configured to limit the control voltage to a voltage level limit that is less than the maximum rated limit.