Gate-Driver Peak Current
Ipk = Vdrive / (Rdrv + Rg)
Quick answer
This calculator solves Ipk = Vdrive / (Rdrv + Rg) for Peak Gate Current. With Drive Voltage 12 V, Driver Resistance 0.47 kΩ, Gate Resistance 1.03 kΩ, the result is 8 mA. It solves in 4 directions, so you can enter the values you have and get the one you need.
Calculator
Formula
Description
The peak current a gate driver delivers to a MOSFET gate is the drive voltage divided by the total series resistance—the driver’s own output resistance plus the external gate resistor. This peak current charges the gate capacitance and sets how fast the device switches: more current means faster edges and lower switching loss, but also more ringing and EMI.
Variables
- Ipk — Peak gate-drive current (A)
- Vdrive — Gate drive voltage (V)
- Rdrv — Driver internal output resistance (Ω)
- Rg — External gate resistor (Ω)
Practical Notes
Increase Rg to slow the edges and tame ringing/EMI; decrease it to cut switching loss. The driver must be rated for this peak current, even though it flows only briefly.
Symbols and units
| Symbol | Meaning | Default unit | Accepted units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipk | Peak Gate Current | A | pA, nA, µA, mA, A, kA |
| Vdrive | Drive Voltage | V | pV, nV, µV, mV, V, kV |
| Rdrv | Driver Resistance | Ω | mΩ, Ω, kΩ, MΩ |
| Rg | Gate Resistance | Ω | mΩ, Ω, kΩ, MΩ |
Step by step
- 1. What you know: Drive Voltage 12 V, Driver Resistance 0.47 kΩ, Gate Resistance 1.03 kΩ
- 2. The relation: Ipk = Vdrive / (Rdrv + Rg)
- 3. Substitute: Vdrive = 12 V, Rdrv = 0.47 kΩ, Rg = 1.03 kΩ
- 4. Result: Peak Gate Current = 8 mA
Related quantities from the same inputs
- P = V × I = 96 mW
Worked examples
Minimum range
Given: Drive Voltage 0.33 V, Driver Resistance 1 Ω, Gate Resistance 2.2 Ω
Result: Peak Gate Current = 103.1 mA
Low range
Given: Drive Voltage 3.3 V, Driver Resistance 10 Ω, Gate Resistance 22 Ω
Result: Peak Gate Current = 103.1 mA
Typical
Given: Drive Voltage 12 V, Driver Resistance 0.47 kΩ, Gate Resistance 1.03 kΩ
Result: Peak Gate Current = 8 mA
High range
Given: Drive Voltage 0.23 kV, Driver Resistance 4.7 kΩ, Gate Resistance 10.3 kΩ
Result: Peak Gate Current = 15.33 mA
Maximum range
Given: Drive Voltage 2.3 kV, Driver Resistance 47 kΩ, Gate Resistance 103 kΩ
Result: Peak Gate Current = 15.33 mA
Solving for each variable
Solve for Peak Gate Current
Drive Voltage 0.33 V, Driver Resistance 1 Ω, Gate Resistance 2.2 Ω → 103.1 mA
Solve for Drive Voltage
Peak Gate Current 2 mA, Driver Resistance 1 Ω, Gate Resistance 2.2 Ω → 6.4 mV
Solve for Driver Resistance
Peak Gate Current 2 mA, Drive Voltage 0.33 V, Gate Resistance 2.2 Ω → 0.1628 kΩ
Solve for Gate Resistance
Peak Gate Current 2 mA, Drive Voltage 0.33 V, Driver Resistance 1 Ω → 0.164 kΩ
How Peak Gate Current changes with Drive Voltage
| Drive Voltage (input) | Peak Gate Current (result) |
|---|---|
| 1.2 V | 0.8 mA |
| 3 V | 2 mA |
| 6 V | 4 mA |
| 9 V | 6 mA |
| 12 V | 8 mA |
| 18 V | 12 mA |
| 24 V | 16 mA |
| 48 V | 32 mA |
| 84 V | 56 mA |
| 120 V | 80 mA |
The same result in other units
| Unit | Value |
|---|---|
| nA | 8000000 |
| µA | 8000 |
| mA | 8 |
| A | 0.008 |
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<p><a href="https://vbatpower.com/formulas/gate-driver-peak-current/">Gate-Driver Peak Current</a> Calculator by vbatpower.com</p>Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate Gate-Driver Peak Current?
Use Ipk = Vdrive / (Rdrv + Rg). With Drive Voltage 12 V, Driver Resistance 0.47 kΩ, Gate Resistance 1.03 kΩ, Peak Gate Current works out to 8 mA.
What is the formula for Gate-Driver Peak Current?
The formula is Ipk = Vdrive / (Rdrv + Rg). The peak current a gate driver delivers to a MOSFET gate is the drive voltage divided by the total series resistance—the driver’s own output resistance plus the external gate resistor.
How do you find Drive Voltage when you know the other values?
Rearrange for Drive Voltage: with Peak Gate Current 2 mA, Driver Resistance 1 Ω, Gate Resistance 2.2 Ω, Drive Voltage is 6.4 mV.
How do you find Driver Resistance when you know the other values?
Rearrange for Driver Resistance: with Peak Gate Current 2 mA, Drive Voltage 0.33 V, Gate Resistance 2.2 Ω, Driver Resistance is 0.1628 kΩ.
What units does Gate-Driver Peak Current use?
Peak Gate Current is shown in nA, µA, mA, A. Values are held in SI base units internally, so you can mix prefixes without converting by hand.
Related Concepts
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