Electronic – Understanding Vgs absolute value

mosfetpmosswitch-mode-power-supplyswitching

If a P-channel MOSFET have absolute maximum values:

  • VDSS = -60 V
  • Vgs = +/-20 V

"refering to high switch side":

Does this means we cannot switch the MOSFET by the gate driver that ties the gate to ground if Vd > 20 V?

this means i cant use this gate driver on most of P-mos (most of them +/-20Vgs) if we apply VG(max) on Drain:
enter image description here
http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/21424d.pdf

Best Answer

Yes, you will exceed the absolute maximum gate voltage rating if you do that. The MOSFET may not die until 30V or 50V- on the other hand you should stay well away from the absolute maximum ratings for reliability and to consider any transients that may occur on the supply line.

You may be able to add a resistor and a zener diode to limit the gate voltage, for example you might use a 10V Zener. That will tend to slow the switching, which may or may not be an issue depending on what you are doing.

For example:

schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

enter image description here


Edit: Okay, you've added some stuff about 100kHz distinguishing this from a simple static switching situation.

You can hang a driver off the 30V supply, with a regulated (negative regulator) voltage if you like. Here is a very simple driver that does level shifting. You can keep the Zener diode in there on the gate to prevent any possibility of exceeding the maximum.

Or just use a negative regulator and a gate driver chip with a level shifter (or fast logic-output optoisolator) to the input. One advantage most gate drivers offer (along with fast, high current drive) is that they include some type of undervoltage lockout, which could save your MOSFET in brownout conditions.

enter image description here