Gate driver circuits and bridge driver circuits for power switches

Abstract

The invention discloses gate driver circuits and bridge driver circuits for power switches. A gate driver circuit has a first output switch circuit coupled between a first supply voltage node supplied by a first supply voltage and a first output terminal, a second output switch circuit coupled between a second output terminal and a second supply voltage node supplied by a second supply voltage, and an open detection circuit connected to the first output terminal. The first and second output terminals are adapted to be coupled to a control terminal of a power switch to provide a switch driving signal for controlling ON / OFF switching of the power switch. The open detection circuit and the first output terminal detect an open connection on the first or second output terminal connected to the control terminal of the power switch, before the ON / OFF switching of the power switch.

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