When designing electronic circuits, one common challenge you might face is driving MOSFETs, especially in high-side applications. Simply put, a high-side driver is needed when you want to switch a load between a positive voltage and ground, but the MOSFET needs to be placed on the high (positive) side of the load.

The Problem :

The problem arises because a typical MOSFET requires its gate voltage to be higher than its source to turn on. However, when placed on the high side, the source voltage rises along with the load, making it difficult to provide the necessary voltage difference to the gate.

The Solution :

The solution is a high-side driver. This component helps drive the gate voltage of the MOSFET sufficiently above the source voltage, enabling the MOSFET to switch on and off properly.

Practical Example :

Imagine you’re trying to switch on a 12V fan in your car, and you want to use a MOSFET to control it. With the MOSFET on the high side of the fan, a high-side driver circuit ensures the MOSFET gate gets the right voltage to turn on and let current flow through the fan.

Sample Calculation :

Let’s say you’re using a 12V system and want to switch a 12V fan using an N-channel MOSFET. To turn the MOSFET on fully, you need to ensure the gate-source voltage (Vgs) is about 10V. If the fan’s supply voltage is 12V, you need a high-side driver that boosts the gate to 22V (12V + 10V).

Product Recommendation :

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