ROHM Launches an Isolated Gate Driver IC Optimized for High-Voltage GaN Devices

Willich-Münchheide, Germany, June 25, 2025 – ROHM has developed an isolated gate driver IC - the BM6GD11BFJ-LB. It is designed specifically for driving HV-GaN HEMTs. When combined with GaN devices, this driver enables stable operation under high-frequency, high-speed switching conditions – contributing to greater miniaturization and efficiency in high-current applications such as motors and server power supplies. As global energy consumption continues to grow, energy-saving initiatives have become a shared global priority. Motors and power supplies alone are estimated to account for approx. 97% of the world’s total electricity consumption. Achieving higher efficiency in these systems is increasingly dependent on utilizing wide bandgap devices such as SiC and GaN to control and convert electricity more efficiently. Leveraging expertise in developing isolated gate driver ICs for silicon semiconductors and SiC devices, ROHM has introduced this new IC as the first in a series of isolated gate driver solutions optimized for GaN devices. Safe signal transmission is achieved by isolating the device from the control circuitry during switching operations that involve rapid voltage rise and fall cycles. The BM6GD11BFJ-LB utilizes proprietary on-chip isolation technology to reduce parasitic capacitance, enabling high-frequency operation up to 2MHz. This maximizes the high-frequency switching capabilities of GaN devices. This contributes not only to greater energy efficiency and performance in applications but also reduces mounting area by minimizing the size of peripheral components. At the same time, CMTI (Common-Mode Transient Immunity - an indicator of noise tolerance in noise isolated gate driver ICs) has been increased to 150V/ns – 1.5 times higher than conventional products – preventing malfunctions caused by the high slew rates typical of GaN HEMT switching. The minimum pulse width has also been reduced to just 65ns, 33% less than conventional products. These performance improvements allow for stable, reliable operation at higher frequencies while minimizing power loss through better duty cycle control. With a gate drive voltage range of 4.5V to 6.0V and an isolation voltage of 2500Vrms, the BM6GD11BFJ-LB is designed to fully support a wide range of high-voltage GaN devices, including ROHM’s newly added 650V EcoGaN™ HEMT. The industry-leading low output-side current consumption of 0.5mA (Max) also reduces standby power, improving overall system efficiency. The BM6GD11BFJ-LB is now available. It is offered through online distributors such as DigiKey™, Mouser™ and Farnell™. Going forward, ROHM plans to offer gate driver ICs for GaN device control together with GaN device products, supporting simpler application design. EcoGaN™ is a registered trademark of ROHM Co., Ltd. Application Examples - Industrial Equipment: Power supplies for PV inverters, ESS (Energy Storage Systems), communication base stations, servers, and industrial motors - Consumer Devices: White goods, AC adapters (USB chargers), PCs, TVs, refrigerators, Air Conditioners Terminology Common-Mode Transient Immunity (CMTI) A key parameter of isolated gate drivers, CMTI refers to the driver’s ability to withstand rapid voltage changes that occur over very short durations. This is especially important when driving high slew rate devices such as GaN HEMTs, where rapid voltage transitions are common. A gate driver with high CMTI can prevent device damage while reducing the risk of circuit shorts. DigiKey™, Mouser™ and Farnell™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

About ROHM Semiconductor ROHM, a leading semiconductor and electronic component manufacturer, was established in 1958. From the automotive and industrial equipment markets to the consumer and communication sectors, ROHM supplies ICs, discretes, and electronic components featuring superior quality and reliability through a global sales and development network. ROHM’s strengths in the analog and power markets allow us to propose optimized solutions for entire systems that combine peripheral components (i.e. transistors, diodes, resistors) with the latest SiC power devices as well as drive ICs that maximize their performance. Please visit ROHM’s website for more information: https://www.rohm.com