Micrel has introduced the MIC4414 and MIC4415, two low-side MOSFET drivers designed to switch an N-Channel enhancement-mode MOSFET in low-side applications. The devices are well suited for switch-mode power supplies, solenoid drivers, and motor-driver applications. "Our customers need optimal efficiency at every level," noted Brian Hedayati, marketing vice president for the analog division at Micrel. "These new low-side MOSFET drivers deliver, starting with what may be the smallest package available—a 4-pin thin QFN package. To this, we've added a sufficiently wide supply voltage range that addresses 5-, 12-, and 15-V power buses, high drive-current capability, faster MOSFET switching speeds, and lower thermal resistance—all to allow faster frequency of operation. We've even provided both a non-inverting (MIC4414) and an inverting (MIC4415) version of the driver to eliminate the need for extra components," he added. The MIC4414/15 series features a tiny 4-pin 1.2- x 1.2-mm thin QFN package and a 4.5- to 18-V operating supply-voltage range. They can sink and source peak currents up to 1.5 A (3.5-? output resistance at 18 V and 9-? output resistance at 5 V) and are capable of switching 1000-pF loads in 12 ns. Operating at a low steady-state supply current, the devices feature 77-μA control-input low and 445-μA control-input high. The device operates over a -40- to +125-°C junction-temperature range. The MIC4414 and MIC 4415 are currently available in volume. Pricing starts at $0.43 for 1K quantity. Micrel Product deeplink
