Patent ID: 9172356
Filing Date: 2015-10-27
Classification: G05F,H01L,H03K

Abstract:
1. A high side gate driver configured to control a high side normally-on switch, the high side gate driver comprising: a first switching device configured to receive a first low level driving power supply; and a protection device connected in series between the first switching device and a gate of the high side normally-on switch, the protection device configured to reduce a voltage that is applied to the first switching device, wherein the protection device includes an additional normally-on switch, the additional normally-on switch has a negative threshold voltage, and a gate of the additional normally-on switch is connected to a ground terminal, a first voltage and a second voltage larger than the first voltage are transmitted to the gate of the high-side normally-on switch such that charges are stored in the gate, and the charges are discharged when the first switching device is turned on, and the additional normally-on switch prevents a breakdown of the first switching device during the discharge.