Contents of this document

1
Out of the box
2
Get to know the hardware
3
Install software
4
Configure the hardware

Design Resources
Get Help

Purchase your FRDMGD3160DSBHB | GD3160 Half-Bridge Evaluation Kit

1. Out of the box

The NXP analog product development boards provide an easy-to-use platform for evaluating NXP products. The boards support a range of analog, mixed-signal and power solutions. They incorporate monolithic integrated circuits and system-in-package devices that use proven high-volume technology. NXP products offer longer battery life, a smaller form factor, reduced component counts, lower cost and improved performance in powering state-of-the-art systems.

This page will guide you through the process of setting up and using the FRDMGD3160DSBHB board.

1.1 Kit contents/packing list

The FRDMGD3160DSBHB contents include:

Assembled and tested FRDMGD3160DSBHB board in an anti-static bag
3.3 V to 5.0 V translator board (KITGD3160TREVB) connected to a FRDM-KL25Z board
USB cable, type A male/type mini B male, 3 ft
Quick Start Guide

Mark as complete:1.1 Kit contents/packing list

1.2 Additional hardware

In addition to the kit contents, the following hardware is necessary or beneficial when working with this reference board.

Compatible onsemi VE-Trac^™ dual DSB IGBT module
DC link capacitor compatible with the onsemi VE-Trac^™ dual DSB IGBT module
1.27 mm jumpers for configuration (included with kit)
30 μH to 50 μH, high current air core inductor for double pulse testing
HV power supply with protection shield and hearing protection
25 V, 1.0 A DC power supply
500 MHz 2.5 GS/s 4-channel oscilloscope
Rogowski coil, PEM Model CWT Mini HF60R or CTW MiniHF30 (smaller diameter)
Isolated differential high-voltage probes
Digital voltmeter

Mark as complete:1.2 Additional hardware

1.3 Windows PC workstation

This reference design requires a Windows PC workstation. Meeting these minimum specifications should produce great results when working with this evaluation board.

Windows 7 or higher operating system

Mark as complete:1.3 Windows PC workstation

1.4 Software

Installing software is necessary to work with this reference design. All listed software is available on the information page at http://www.nxp.com/FRDMGD3160DSBHB.

Mark as complete:1.4 Software

NextGet to know the hardware

2. Get to know the hardware

2.1 Board features

Capability to connect to onsemi VE-Trac^™ dual DSB IGBT module for half-bridge evaluations
Negative VEE gate low drive level (−7.5 V DC)
VCCREG regulated high gate drive level (+15 V DC)
Jumper configurable for disabling dead time fault protection when short-circuit testing
Easy access power, ground and signal test points
Easy to install and use FlexGUI for interfacing via SPI through PC; software includes double pulse and short-circuit testing capability
DC link bus voltage monitor on low-side driver via AMUXIN and AOUT
Negative temperature coefficient (NTC) connection and configurable for monitoring module temperature

Mark as complete:2.1 Board features

2.2 Board description

The FRDMGD3160DSBHB is a half-bridge evaluation board populated with two GD3160 single channel IGBT or SiC gate drive devices. The board supports connection to an FRDM-KL25Z microcontroller for SPI communication configuration programming and monitoring. The board includes DESAT circuitry for short-circuit detection and implementation of GD3160 shutdown protection capabilities.

The evaluation board is designed to connect to a onsemi VE-Trac^™ dual DSB IGBT module for evaluation of the GD3160 performance and capabilities.

Mark as complete:2.2 Board description

2.3 Board components

Overview of the FRDMGD3160DSBHB board

KL25Z Freedom board

The Freedom KL25Z is an ultra low-cost development platform for Kinetis L series MCU built on Arm Cortex-M0+ processor.

3.3 V to 5.0 V translator board

KITGD3160TREVB translator enables level shifting of signals from MCU 3.3 V to 5.0 V SPI communication.

Table 1. Translator board jumper definitions

Jumper	Position	Function
VCCSEL (J3)	1-2	selects 5.0 V for 5.0 V compatible gate drive
VCCSEL (J3)	2-3	selects 3.3 V for 3.3 V compatible gate drive
PWMH_SEL (J4)	1-2	selects PWM high-side control from KL25Z MCU
PWMH_SEL (J4)	2-3	selects PWM high-side control from fiber optic receiver inputs
PWML_SEL (J5)	1-2	selects PWM low-side control from KL25Z MCU
PWML_SEL (J5)	2-3	selects PWM low-side control from fiber optic receiver inputs

Mark as complete:2.3 Board components

PreviousOut of the box

NextInstall software

3. Install software

Software for FRDMGD3160DSBHB is distributed with the FlexGUI tool (available at nxp.com). Necessary firmware comes pre-installed on the FRDM-KL25Z with the kit.

Even if the user intends to test with other software or PWM, this software should be installed as a backup or as an aid in debugging.

3.1 Install FlexGUI on your computer

The latest version of FlexGUI supports the GD3100 and GD3160. It is designed to run on any Windows 10 or Windows 8 based operating system.

By default, the FlexGUI executable file is installed at C:\flexgui-app-des-gd31xx.exe. Installing the device drivers overwrites any previous FlexGUI installation and replaces it with a current version containing the GD31xx drivers. However, configuration files (.spi) from the previous version remain intact.

To install the software, do the following:

1. Go to www.nxp.com/FlexGUI and click on the Download tab.
2. When the "Graphics, UI and Human Machine Interface" page appears, click the Download button associated with "FlexGUI for GD31xx Advanced Gate Driver Evaluation Software". When prompted, provide a location where the FlexGUI files are to be downloaded.
3. Unzip the downloaded file. Then click on C:\flexgui-app-des-gd31xx.exe to open the installation wizard.
4. Follow the installation wizard prompts on the "License Agreement" and the "Select Destination Location" windows.
5. At the end of the installation process the FlexGUI automatically opens to the "Kit and Device(s)" selection window. Select GD3160 Half Bridge EVBs, then click "OK". Do not change any other parameters on this page.

Mark as complete:3.1 Install FlexGUI on your computer

PreviousGet to know the hardware

NextConfigure the hardware

Configure the hardware

FRDMGD3160DSBHB is connected to compatible onsemi VE-Trac^™ dual DSB IGBT module with a DC link capacitor as shown in Figure 4. Double pulse and short-circuit testing can be conducted utilizing Windows-based PC with FlexGUI software.

Suggested equipment needed for test:

Rogowski coil high-current probe
High-voltage differential voltage probe
High sample rate digital oscilloscope with probes
DC link capacitor compatible with onsemi VE-Trac^™ dual DSB IGBT module
Onsemi VE-Trac^™ dual DSB IGBT module
Windows-based PC
High-voltage DC power supply for DC link voltage
Low-voltage DC power supply for VPWR +12 V DC gate drive board low-voltage domain
Voltmeter for monitoring high-voltage DC link supply
Load coil for double pulse testing

PreviousInstall software

NextDesign Resources

Design Resources

Board Information

Additional References

In addition to our GD3160: Advanced Single-Channel High-Voltage Isolated Automotive Gate Driver for SiC MOSFETs/IGBTs page, you may also want to visit: