Output driver having improved switching delay and associated methods

摘要

A switching device for driving a load is provided. The switching device comprises a control terminal and has a conduction threshold which, when crossed by a control signal coupled to the control terminal, causes the switching device to conduct. A control circuit for generating the control signal is also provided. The control circuit is configured to generate a control signal having a first slew rate prior to the control signal crossing the conduction threshold and a second slew rate after the control signal has crossed the conduction threshold. The first slew rate may be faster than the second slew rate.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a switching device for driving a load, the switching device having a control terminal and a conduction threshold which, when crossed by a control signal coupled to the control terminal, causes the switching device to conduct; a control circuit for generating the control signal, the control signal having a first slew rate prior to the control signal crossing the conduction threshold and a second slew rate after the control signal has crossed the conduction threshold, wherein the first slew rate is faster than the second slew rate; an energy storage device selectively coupled to the control terminal of the switching device; and a conduction threshold reference circuit selectively coupled to the energy storage device to charge the energy storage device to a level associated with the conduction threshold.