UCC27517DBVR

Texas Instruments UCC27517DBVR Low‑Side Gate Driver: 4‑A Peak Performance in a Compact SOT‑23‑5 Package

The Texas Instruments UCC27517DBVR is a single‑channel, low‑side MOSFET/IGBT gate driver built to simplify high‑speed switching in power electronics. Part of TI’s UCC2751x family, this device combines a robust 4‑A peak source/sink capability, dual logic inputs (inverting and non‑inverting), and a wide 4.5 V to 18 V supply range, all in a space‑saving SOT‑23‑5 (DBV) package. Whether you’re architecting a switch‑mode power supply, implementing synchronous rectification, or driving low‑side devices in a motor control stage, the UCC27517DBVR helps reduce switching losses, improve timing control, and streamline your PCB layout.

This article consolidates essential engineering details and sourcing guidance so you can evaluate, design‑in, and purchase the UCC27517DBVR with confidence.

Key Features and Benefits

• 4‑A peak source/sink output current
• Delivers strong, fast gate charge and discharge for rapid transitions and lower switching losses.
• Dual inputs: inverting (IN–) and non‑inverting (IN+)
• Flexible logic control without external inversion components; simplifies interfacing to various PWM controllers, MCUs, and digital isolators.
• Wide supply voltage range: 4.5 V to 18 V
• Supports common gate‑drive rails across low‑ to mid‑voltage power stages and allows design reuse across multiple platforms.
• Totem‑pole (push‑pull) output stage
• Low impedance drive both sourcing and sinking; reduces shoot‑through risk at the power switch gate when properly designed.
• Compact SOT‑23‑5 (DBV) footprint
• Saves board area in dense power stages and point‑of‑load modules.
• TTL/CMOS compatible inputs
• Simplifies digital interfacing and helps avoid level‑shift stages in many systems.
• RoHS and “Green” lead finish
• Supports modern environmental and manufacturing requirements.

Detailed Specifications

• Brand/Manufacturer: Texas Instruments
• MPN: UCC27517DBVR
• Series: UCC2751x
• Category: Power Management ICs > Gate Drivers
• Driver Type: Low‑Side Gate Driver
• Channel Count: 1
• Peak Output Current: 4 A (typical, source/sink)
• Supply Voltage Range (VDD): 4.5 V to 18 V
• Inputs: Dual — Inverting (IN–) and Non‑Inverting (IN+), TTL/CMOS compatible
• Output Configuration: Totem‑Pole (Push‑Pull)
• Package: SOT‑23‑5 (DBV)
• Packaging: Tape & Reel (DBVR suffix)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Pin Count: 5
• AEC‑Q100: No (standard catalog device)
• Lead Finish: RoHS & Green
• Operating Temperature Range: Not specified in datasheet

Resources for complete electrical characteristics, timing diagrams, and recommended operating conditions are provided at the end of this article.

How the UCC27517DBVR Fits in Your Power Stage

Low‑side gate drivers sit between your control logic and the gate of a power MOSFET or IGBT, providing the high peak currents necessary to overcome gate charge quickly and cleanly. The Texas Instruments UCC27517DBVR is optimized for exactly this role:

• In synchronous rectification, it quickly pulls the rectifier MOSFET gate high and low to minimize conduction and reverse‑recovery losses, improving efficiency in DC‑DC converters and AC‑DC supplies.
• In motor drive inverter legs (low‑side devices), it ensures crisp transitions that reduce cross‑conduction risk when paired with appropriate dead‑time management.
• In general‑purpose low‑side switching, it improves edge rates and reduces dissipation in the switch compared to directly driving from an MCU or PWM controller pin.

Because the device offers both inverting and non‑inverting inputs, designers can map their control logic to the output behavior they need without additional glue logic. The wide 4.5 V to 18 V VDD range also allows a single gate‑drive BOM to be reused across projects that standardize on 10 V, 12 V, or 15 V gate‑drive rails, among others.

Typical Applications

• Switch‑mode power supplies (SMPS)
• Synchronous rectifier drive
• Motor drive and inverter stages (low‑side devices)
• DC‑DC converters (buck, boost, flyback, and variants)
• General‑purpose MOSFET/IGBT low‑side gate drive

In each of these, the UCC27517DBVR’s 4‑A peak capability helps achieve fast switching and tight control of switching transitions when the layout and passives are optimized.

Design and Implementation Notes

While every power stage is different, the following practical tips can help you get the most from the Texas Instruments UCC27517DBVR:

• Place the driver close to the MOSFET/IGBT gate

• Keep the loop area between the driver output and the gate small; route the return path (source/emitter) tightly coupled to the gate trace to minimize inductance and ringing.

• Decouple the supply aggressively

• Use a high‑quality ceramic capacitor (for example, 0.1 µF or 1.0 µF) as close as possible across VDD and GND pins. A bulk capacitor nearby on the same rail is recommended to handle pulse current demands.

• Control gate resistors thoughtfully

• A small series resistor can tune rise/fall times and damp oscillations due to parasitic inductances and capacitances. Split‑gate resistors (separate values for turn‑on and turn‑off paths) may be used with external diodes if asymmetric drive is desired.

• Observe logic interface constraints

• Inputs are TTL/CMOS compatible. Ensure your controller’s logic thresholds, timing, and any dead‑time generation match the application needs.

• Manage ground references

• For low‑side drive, reference the driver ground to the power switch source/emitter node that is tied to system ground. Use a clean, low‑impedance return path to avoid injecting switching noise into logic circuitry.

• Thermal considerations

• Although SOT‑23‑5 is small, the device handles high peak currents in short pulses. Ensure adequate copper pour and observe ambient conditions to maintain reliable operation.

These best practices help preserve the UCC27517DBVR’s intended performance—fast, controlled switching with minimal EMI side effects.

Lifecycle, Replacements, and Approved Alternates

• Lifecycle Status: Active (per Texas Instruments product page)
• Pin‑Compatible Enhancement:
• UCC27517ADBVR
  • Compatibility: Pin‑to‑pin, same SOT‑23‑5 (DBV) package; enhanced variant
  • Notes: Review both datasheets before substitution. Ensure key parameters—UVLO behavior, input thresholds, propagation delay, and drive strength—meet your requirements.

Approved Alternates Policy Notes:

• Before substituting any gate driver, verify:
• Pinout and package footprint
• Peak source/sink current capability and output stage configuration
• Input logic levels and polarity options
• UVLO behavior and thresholds
• Propagation delay and rise/fall time characteristics

These checks reduce the risk of subtle timing issues or efficiency loss when swapping parts late in a design cycle.

Compliance and Environmental

• RoHS: Compliant; TI “Green” device
• AEC‑Q100: No (not qualified as an automotive device)

For additional compliance or material content documentation, reference TI’s product page and associated compliance reports.

Sourcing and Ordering Information

• Manufacturer: Texas Instruments
• Part Number: UCC27517DBVR
• Package: DBV (SOT‑23‑5)
• Packaging: Tape & Reel (the “R” suffix denotes reel)
• Availability: Check Texas Instruments and authorized distributors for current stock and lead times

Notes:

• The DBV designator indicates the SOT‑23‑5 package used by TI. The DBVR orderable part specifies tape‑and‑reel packaging suitable for automated assembly lines.
• Pricing varies by region, distributor, and quantity. For up‑to‑date pricing, consult TI and franchised distributors.

Practical Sourcing Tips:

• Plan for alternates: If your AVL permits, pre‑approve the UCC27517ADBVR as a second source within the same footprint to mitigate supply risk.
• Lock in logic behavior: Document whether you’re using the inverting or non‑inverting input in your design so substitutes with single‑input variants (e.g., UCC27518 family members) are not mistakenly used without design review.
• Reel and moisture handling: Follow standard MSL and handling practices for small SMD packages; confirm MSL status from the TI datasheet and labeling.

Comparison Within the UCC2751x Family

The UCC2751x family includes closely related single‑channel, low‑side drivers. One common question is how the UCC27517 compares to nearby variants:

• UCC27517 vs UCC27518
• UCC27517 includes both inverting (IN–) and non‑inverting (IN+) inputs, allowing flexible logic mapping without external inversion.
• UCC27518 is a related single‑input variant. If your system’s PWM polarity is fixed and you need only one input, the UCC27518 may be suitable—verify logic polarity, thresholds, and timing in the respective datasheets.

Staying within the UCC2751x family can simplify qualification and reuse, as mechanical and many electrical characteristics are intentionally consistent across variants. Always double‑check propagation delays, UVLO thresholds, and input structures when changing part numbers.

Where the Texas Instruments UCC27517DBVR Delivers Value

• Efficiency: By supplying high peak current to the gate, the UCC27517DBVR reduces time spent in MOSFET linear regions, lowering switching losses.
• Design flexibility: Dual inputs eliminate the need for separate inversion logic, saving components and board space.
• BOM consolidation: With 4.5 V to 18 V VDD and a compact SOT‑23‑5 footprint, this device fits many power stages with minimal redesign.
• Manufacturability: Tape‑and‑reel packaging and a 5‑pin SOT‑23 streamline automated assembly and inspection.

These attributes make the UCC27517DBVR a practical default for many low‑side gate‑drive needs in SMPS and motor control systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What distinguishes the UCC27517 from the UCC27518?
A: The UCC27517 provides both inverting (IN–) and non‑inverting (IN+) inputs for flexible logic control. UCC27518 is a related single‑input variant. Always verify logic behavior and timing against your needs.

Q: Is the UCC27517 pin‑compatible with the UCC27517A?
A: Yes. Both are in the same SOT‑23‑5 (DBV) footprint and are generally pin‑to‑pin compatible. The A‑suffix device includes certain enhancements—consult both datasheets before a drop‑in replacement.

Q: What is the channel count of the Texas Instruments UCC27517DBVR?
A: One channel. It is a single‑channel low‑side gate driver.

Q: What supply voltage range does it support?
A: 4.5 V to 18 V on VDD.

Q: What is the peak output current capability?
A: 4 A typical (source/sink) peak drive.

Q: Can the UCC27517DBVR drive IGBTs as well as MOSFETs?
A: Yes. It is suitable for driving the gates of both MOSFETs and IGBTs on the low side, within its specified operating range.

Q: Is the device automotive qualified?
A: No. It is not AEC‑Q100 qualified.

Q: What packaging is available and how do I order?
A: The device is offered in SOT‑23‑5 (DBV). The “DBVR” orderable part number denotes tape‑and‑reel packaging. Check TI and authorized distributors for availability.

Resources

• Product page: https://www.ti.com/product/UCC27517
• Datasheet: https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/ucc27517.pdf

Consult the datasheet for comprehensive specifications, including timing characteristics, UVLO thresholds, recommended operating conditions, and layout guidelines.

Summary

The Texas Instruments UCC27517DBVR is a compact, capable low‑side gate driver that pairs a 4‑A peak output stage with flexible dual‑polarity inputs and a wide operating supply range. Its SOT‑23‑5 footprint, RoHS compliance, and tape‑and‑reel availability make it a straightforward choice for production designs. If you need a reliable, high‑speed driver for MOSFETs or IGBTs in SMPS, DC‑DC converters, or low‑side motor drive applications, the UCC27517DBVR offers an effective balance of performance, flexibility, and ease of sourcing—backed by Texas Instruments’ broad ecosystem and documentation.