Hi everyone,

After taking a intro to power electronics course, I decided to build a buck converter as part of my small project. However, I am having difficulty finding a good way to drive the Mosfet, since this topic was not covered in class.
So some background:
1. Source voltage will be between 10 and 50 V.
2. There will be high output current, perhaps as high as 20A.
3. The PWM will be generated form the microcontroller (PSoC). And I plan to use the microcontroller for feedback.

So far I know that driving the gate with the PWM from the microcontroller is not practical, since it requires some pretty high voltage. So are there any circuit topologies or ICs that may accomplish the task? Also any recommendation on the FET would be really helpful.

Thanks,
Richard

 

So are there any circuit topologies or ICs that may accomplish the task? Also any recommendation on the FET would be really helpful.

Yes indeed -- Comprehensive listings of drivers optimized for uC applications may be found at Mouser electronics (as linked below)

Microchip:
http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?N=4294758776+6785017

Atmel:
http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?N=4294759229+6785017

Note: The above links are in no way exclusive! Many products of many manufactures are available! -- I present the above merely as examples of offerings by popular uC manufacturers...

As to the MOSFET -- an IRFP260N will more than fit the bill -- and for less 'outlay' than 'lighter' FETs


Alternatively, you may use a 'logic level' MOSFET and dispense with the driver -- howbeit the uC output will need to be 'buff'...

Best Regards
HP

 

Yes indeed -- Comprehensive listings of drivers optimized for uC applications may be found at Mouser electronics (as linked below)

Microchip:
http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?N=4294758776+6785017

Atmel:
http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?N=4294759229+6785017

Note: The above links are in no way exclusive! Many products of many manufactures are available! -- I present the above merely as examples of offerings by popular uC manufacturers...

As to the MOSFET -- an IRFP260N will more than fit the bill -- and for less 'outlay' than 'lighter' FETs


Alternatively, you may use a 'logic level' MOSFET and dispense with the driver -- howbeit the uC output will need to be 'buff'...

Best Regards
HP

Very nice sites. Thanks!