I want to test the half bridge EPC23103 by driving the lower switches LSIN with a DC signal 3.3VDC. The bridge is connected to a resistive load connected to the DC Link 24VDC. Should that work? Or only PWM signals are allowed?
For the EPC2310x family (including EPC23103) of integrated power stages, the input signals (such as LSIN) need to be switching, not DC levels. A DC level input (constant 3.3 V, for example) won’t damage the part, it just won’t turn on the bottom FET. From the data sheet, the maximum pulse width is 200 us. And, about 5 cycles of input are needed before the output starts switching.
An alternate part that does allow a DC input on the lower gate drive input EPC2152. It also responds on the first pulse. So, perhaps EPC2152 could work for your situation.
- Brian Miller, EPC field applications engineer, USA
Thanks for clarification Brian! The bridges are working fine when driven by PWM signals. I am using this for motor control applications. How about using discontinuous PWM techniques such as -120-degree DPWM (an example by Mathworks)? Then it requires one of the bridges be on an OFF state (top switch OFF, bottom switch ON) for some time depending on the motor speed (120 electrical degree).
I can use a continuous SVM where switching is taking place all the time, but it is not an efficient way of doing this.