Abstract: A gate driver to control a high-power switching device is disclosed. The gate driver includes a multifunction pin that allows the gate driver to be controlled by a multifunction signal to perform a number of different functions. For example, a level of the multifunction signal at the multifunction pin can enable/disable the output of the gate driver. In another example, a level of the multifunction signal that is held for a period while the gate driver is in a fault state can reset the state of the gate driver. In another example, pulsing the multifunction signal a number of times can activate a test of the fault detection capabilities of the gate driver. Utilizing one pin for this control, simplifies circuit complexity for communication between a controller and the gate driver, thereby reducing cost and increasing reliability.

Abstract: A gate driver to control a high-power switching device is disclosed. The gate driver includes a multifunction pin that allows the gate driver to be controlled by a multifunction signal to perform a number of different functions. For example, a level of the multifunction signal at the multifunction pin can enable/disable the output of the gate driver. In another example, a level of the multifunction signal that is held for a period while the gate driver is in a fault state can reset the state of the gate driver. In another example, pulsing the multifunction signal a number of times can activate a test of the fault detection capabilities of the gate driver. Utilizing one pin for this control, simplifies circuit complexity for communication between a controller and the gate driver, thereby reducing cost and increasing reliability.