IR2181STRPBF - 600V Half-Bridge Gate Driver 1.9A/2.3A | Infineon
MPN: IR2181STRPBF β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.45 | $1.45 |
| 10 | $1.22 | $12.20 |
| 100 | $0.95 | $95.00 |
| 500 | $0.82 | $410.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.74 | $740.00 |
IR2181STRPBF Overview
What is a half-bridge gate driver? A gate driver is a power amplifier that translates low-power logic-level PWM signals from a microcontroller or DSP into the high-current, high-voltage drive required to rapidly switch the gate of a power MOSFET or IGBT. Half-bridge drivers specifically provide two coordinated outputs (high-side floating and low-side referenced) that drive one half of an H-bridge or a single switching leg, enabling efficient synchronous buck, boost, half-bridge, and full-bridge topologies. In the system hierarchy: gate driver -> MOSFET/IGBT driver -> power management IC -> discrete semiconductor.
Key features of the IR2181STRPBF include a wide gate drive supply voltage range from 10V to 20V, independent undervoltage lockout (UVLO) for both high-side and low-side channels, and a typical propagation delay of 180ns. Logic inputs are 3.3V and 5V compatible, allowing direct interface with modern microcontrollers, DSPs, and FPGA-based control platforms without level shifters. The non-inverting input configuration simplifies PWM timing alignment in motor control firmware.
The architecture uses a high-voltage level-shifting well with proprietary latch-up immunity, allowing the high-side channel to float up to 600V above ground. This monolithic integration eliminates discrete bootstrap components' complexity and enables a single-IC solution for half-bridge power stages from 100W to several kilowatts.
Typical applications include driving the primary switching leg in switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), three-phase motor driver inverter stages (used in pairs with a third driver for the low-side IGBTs), Class D audio amplifiers, electronic ballasts for HID lighting, and industrial heating and welding inverters. The wide voltage tolerance also makes it suitable for automotive 12V/24V battery-fed systems and solar micro-inverters.
When designing with this device, ensure the bootstrap capacitor on the VBS pin is sized to supply the high-side gate charge plus quiescent current during the on-time. Place a 1uF X7R ceramic bypass on VCC and a 100nF on VBS to decouple the floating supply rail. Avoid exceeding the absolute maximum VBS-VS of 20V and the dV/dt rating specified in the manufacturer datasheet.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing across DigiKey, Mouser, and LCSC, drop-in compatible 8-SOIC alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for IR2181STRPBF β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with IR2181STRPBF (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Logic Input Compatibility, Package, RoHS Status, Configuration, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
IR2181SPBF
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$0.72 / Unit
View Datasheet βIR2181PBF
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
IR2183SPBF
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
IR2184SPBF
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
IR2101STRPBF
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.22 / Unit
View Datasheet βL6384E
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
L6390
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
IR2181STRPBF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Configuration | High and Low Side, Independent |
| Input Type | Non-Inverting |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 10 V to 20 V |
| Logic Input Compatibility | 3.3 V and 5 V |
| Output Current (Source) | 1.9 A peak |
| Output Current (Sink) | 2.3 A peak |
| High-Side Floating Supply Voltage (VBS) | Up to 600 V offset |
| Propagation Delay (typ) | 180 ns |
| dV/dt Immunity | Yes |
| Negative Transient Voltage Tolerance | Yes |
| Undervoltage Lockout | Independent for high-side and low-side |
| Package | 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90 mm width) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (PBF suffix) |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
IR2181STRPBF Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC β Logic and low-side gate drive supply voltage (10V to 20V) |
| Pin 2 | IN β Logic input for high-side and low-side gate driver (3.3V/5V TTL-compatible, non-inverting) |
| Pin 3 | GND β Logic and low-side gate drive return |
| Pin 4 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 5 | LO β Low-side gate drive output (referenced to GND) |
| Pin 6 | VS β High-side floating supply return (switching node) |
| Pin 7 | HO β High-side gate drive output (referenced to VS) |
| Pin 8 | VB β High-side floating supply voltage (bootstrap) |
Typical Applications
IR2181STRPBF is suitable for 7 applications: Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Half-Bridge Stage, Three-Phase Motor Drive Inverter (VFD/Servo), Class D Audio Amplifier Output Stage, Electronic Ballast for HID/LED Lighting, Solar Micro-Inverter DC-AC Stage, Industrial Welding and Induction Heater Inverter, Automotive 12V/24V DC-DC Converter.
Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Half-Bridge Stage
The IR2181STRPBF drives the primary switching leg of a half-bridge converter in offline SMPS designs, where its 600V floating supply rating directly tolerates the 311V rectified 230VAC bus without additional clamping. The 1.9A source and 2.3A sink drive current handle IGBTs and high-voltage MOSFETs in 100W to 2kW power levels, while the 180ns propagation delay keeps duty cycle distortion below 2% at 100kHz. Place the driver within 2cm of the MOSFET gate to minimize parasitic inductance, and size the bootstrap capacitor (Cboot) at 10x the gate charge to prevent VBS droop below the 7V UVLO threshold during the high-side on-time. Unlike bootstrap-free designs, only one 1uF X7R bypass on VCC is needed for stable operation.
Recommended
Three-Phase Motor Drive Inverter (VFD/Servo)
Three IR2181STRPBF drivers form the complete 3-phase inverter for industrial variable-frequency drives (VFDs) and servo motor controllers, with each driver handling one half-bridge leg of the motor's stator windings. The 600V offset rating accommodates 480VAC rectified bus voltages with substantial transient margin, while the independent HS/LS inputs allow the MCU's PWM timer to insert programmable deadtime - critical for safe commutation of IGBTs carrying 20-50A. The 3.3V logic input compatibility directly interfaces STM32 and TI C2000 series microcontrollers, eliminating external level-shifters. This topology is widely used in HVAC compressors, industrial pumps, and robotic actuator drives where high reliability and precise torque control are essential.
Recommended
Class D Audio Amplifier Output Stage
In Class D audio amplifiers, two IR2181STRPBF drivers form a full-bridge output stage driving the LC low-pass filter and loudspeaker load. The 180ns propagation delay enables 250-500kHz switching frequencies that push switching noise above the audible band, while the 1.9A/2.3A drive current handles 200-500W subwoofer and PA amplifier modules. The independent logic inputs allow the audio modulator to generate complementary PWM with adjustable deadtime to minimize crossover distortion at zero-crossings. The 3.3V logic compatibility interfaces directly with popular audio DSPs such as the TPA3251 or TAS5766M digital input stages. Thermal management is critical - ensure the 8-SOIC copper pad area reaches at least 1 square inch for continuous 100W operation.
Recommended
Electronic Ballast for HID/LED Lighting
The IR2181STRPBF drives the resonant half-bridge in electronic ballasts for high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps and high-power LED drivers, where its 600V rating and 180ns delay suit the 50-150kHz LCC resonant topology commonly used. The bootstrap supply scheme operates reliably at high duty cycles required for proper lamp warm-up and current crest factor control, while the independent UVLO prevents restart attempts during lamp fault conditions. Commercial fluorescent and HID ballast designs benefit from the part's dV/dt immunity, which prevents false triggering on the highly noisy resonant switching transitions. LED street-light drivers above 100W also use this topology for high efficiency and long-driver-life requirements.
Recommended
Solar Micro-Inverter DC-AC Stage
In solar micro-inverters converting 24-48V panel DC to grid-tie 230VAC, the IR2181STRPBF drives the low-voltage half-bridge of a push-pull or full-bridge stage feeding a high-frequency transformer. The 600V floating supply rating tolerates reflected voltage transients from the transformer's leakage inductance, while the 1.9A/2.3A drive handles MOSFETs in the 5-10kW power range. The 3.3V logic input enables direct connection to TI C2000 or Microchip dsPIC33 MPPT controllers operating at sub-100kHz switching for optimized transformer size. The part's negative transient voltage tolerance prevents latch-up from ringing on the switching node - critical for reliable outdoor PV inverter operation across decades of service.
Recommended
Industrial Welding and Induction Heater Inverter
The IR2181STRPBF is deployed in industrial welding inverters and induction heating power stages driving the resonant LC tank at 20-100kHz. The 1.9A source and 2.3A sink drive current handle IGBTs at 50-100A peak collector current, while the 600V floating supply supports the rectified 480VAC industrial mains. Independent HS/LS logic inputs allow the controller to implement adaptive zero-voltage switching (ZVS) timing, minimizing switching losses and EMI in the demanding welding-arc environment. The non-inverting input configuration simplifies firmware by aligning with the controller's PWM output polarity, and the part's dV/dt immunity prevents shoot-through during the harsh switching transitions characteristic of welding loads.
Recommended
Automotive 12V/24V DC-DC Converter
The IR2181STRPBF drives the half-bridge stage in automotive bidirectional DC-DC converters between the 12V/24V chassis bus and 48V mild-hybrid rails, where the 600V rating provides substantial transient margin against load-dump events. The independent UVLO protects against deep-discharge conditions of the auxiliary battery, while the 3.3V logic input directly interfaces automotive MCUs such as the NXP S32K3 and TI TDA4x without external level shifters. The 1.9A/2.3A drive handles the synchronous MOSFETs in 1-3kW power levels used for active suspension, electric power steering, and brake-by-wire subsystems. Note that AEC-Q100 qualification is NOT applicable to this industrial-graded part - automotive designs require AEC-Q100 certified drivers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for IR2181STRPBF β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | IR2183SPBF | IR2184SPBF | IR2101STRPBF | L6384E | L6390 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Infineon | Infineon | Infineon | Infineon | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Package | 8-SOIC | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same |
| High-Side Floating Voltage (max) | 600 V | 600 V | 600 V | 600 V | 600 V | 600 V |
| Peak Source Current | 1.9 A | 1.9 A | 1.9 A | 1.0 A | 1.5 A | 0.65 A |
| Peak Sink Current | 2.3 A | 2.3 A | 2.3 A | 1.2 A | 1.5 A | 0.65 A |
| VCC Range | 10 V to 20 V | 10 V to 20 V | 10 V to 20 V | 10 V to 20 V | 10 V to 20 V | 10 V to 18 V |
| Internal Deadtime | No (externally controlled) | No | Yes (~500 ns) | No | No | Configurable |
| Unit Price (qty-1, USD) | 1.45 | 1.40 | 1.50 | 1.05 | 1.10 | 1.30 |
Key Differentiators
- Higher peak drive current (1.9A/2.3A) vs IR2101 (1.0A/1.2A) (vs IR2101STRPBF)
- Independent HS/LS inputs (vs IR2184SPBF integrated deadtime) (vs IR2184SPBF)
- Cross-brand 8-SOIC drop-in compatibility with ST L6384E (vs L6384E (STMicroelectronics))
Design Notes
Size the bootstrap capacitor (Cboot) between VB and VS to at least 10x the total gate charge (Qg) of the high-side MOSFET/IGBT. For example, an IGBT with 50nC Qg requires Cboot >= 0.5uF; use 1uF X7R ceramic for margin. The bootstrap diode should be a fast-recovery type (trr < 100ns) such as the UF4007 or a Schottky like the SR20200CT, rated for at least the VCC rail voltage plus margin. Insufficient Cboot causes VBS droop below the 7V UVLO threshold during the high-side on-time, leading to gate drive collapse and potentially catastrophic MOSFET shoot-through. Estimated: at Iavg=10mA quiescent and ton=10us with Qg=50nC, voltage droop on a 1uF Cboot is approximately 0.15V per cycle, well within UVLO margin.
Keep the high-current gate drive loop (HO-VS-gate-source-HO return) as small as physically possible - target loop area < 0.5 cm^2 to minimize parasitic inductance that causes ringing and gate-overshoot. Place the VCC bypass capacitor (1uF X7R) within 5mm of pin 1, and the VBS bypass (100nF) within 5mm of pins 7-8. Use a ground plane on the bottom layer directly under the driver and surrounding components - the high di/dt switching currents demand a low-impedance return path. Failure to follow these layout practices can result in 20-30V gate overshoot that exceeds the 20V VBS absolute maximum rating, permanently damaging the IC.
The 8-SOIC package dissipates approximately 0.5W to 1W in typical half-bridge applications where gate charge losses dominate. Without a copper pad beneath the exposed die attach pad (note: SO-8 does NOT have an exposed pad, unlike SO-8 EP variants), thermal performance is limited to theta_JA = approximately 150 C/W. Estimated: at 0.7W dissipation the junction temperature rises 105C above 25C ambient, requiring ambient temperature derating above 20C. For continuous high-frequency operation above 100kHz with high-Qg IGBTs, consider upgrading to the IR2181 in 14-SOIC or adding a small copper heatsink tab soldered to the drain pad area.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VBS-VS voltage of 20V - over-voltage transients can punch through the high-side level-shifting well. Do not apply VCC before the logic input is properly biased, as undefined IN pin state may cause both HS and LS outputs to partially turn on, creating shoot-through. Always sequence VCC before IN, and ensure IN transitions are clean with < 50ns rise/fall times. The high-side bootstrap supply cannot provide 100% duty cycle operation indefinitely - for continuous-high applications, add an isolated DC-DC converter or charge-pump to refresh the bootstrap supply. Finally, the IR2181 is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive designs, use the automotive-graded variants such as the IR2101S-7 or dedicated AEC-Q100 half-bridge drivers.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per PBF suffix in MPN. Lead-free matte-tin finish. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - use automotive-graded variants for vehicle applications. Halogen-free status unknown - not explicitly stated in manufacturer datasheet summary.
