Bootstrap-based gate drivers are one of the simplest and cheapest solutions for driving the high-side devices in halfbridge-based power converters. Unfortunately, bootstrapped gate drivers are unable, on their own, to supply the negative gate- source voltage needed for safe turn off of SiC MOSFETs. This article proposes a novel and simple level shifter, applied to bootstrap-based gate drivers, able to supply a negative gate voltage to isolated-gate power devices during turn off. A fully analytical model of the proposed circuit is given, targeting both steady-state and transient performance. Modeling of the power loss connected to the driver is included as well. Performance of the gate driver with a level shifter is assessed experimentally, and the circuit layout for the power stage of a dual active bridge automotive dc/dc converter, set on an insulated metal substrate, is presented, comprising the power devices together with the proposed gate drivers and ancillary circuits.

中文翻译：

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双向自举栅极驱动器，用于高密度基于SiC的汽车DC / DC转换器

基于自举的栅极驱动器是驱动基于半桥的功率转换器中的高端设备的最简单，最便宜的解决方案之一。不幸的是，自举栅极驱动器自身无法提供安全关断SiC MOSFET所需的负栅极-源极电压。本文提出了一种新颖，简单的电平转换器，该转换器适用于基于自举的栅极驱动器，能够在关断期间向隔离栅极功率器件提供负栅极电压。针对稳态和瞬态性能，给出了拟议电路的完整分析模型。还包括与驱动器相连的功率损耗的建模。实验评估了带电平转换器的栅极驱动器的性能，并针对了双有源桥汽车dc / dc转换器功率级的电路布局，