The MIC5011 is the "minimum parts count"? member of the MIC501X driver family. These ICs are designed to drive the gate of an N-channel power MOSFET above the supply rail in high-side power switch applications. The 8-pin MIC5011 is extremely easy to use, requiring only a power FET and nominal supply decoupling to implement either a high- or low-side switch.

The MIC5011 charges a 1nF load in 60μs typical with no external components. Faster switching is achieved by adding two 1nF charge pump capacitors. Operation down to 4.75V allows the MIC5011 to drive standard MOSFETs in 5V low-side applications by boosting the gate voltage above the logic supply. In addition, multiple paralleled MOSFETs can be driven by a single MIC5011 for ultra-high current applications.

Other members of the Micrel driver family include the MIC5013 protected 8-pin driver.

For new designs, Micrel recommends the pin-compatible MIC5014 MOSFET driver.

  +4.75V to +32V operation

  Less than 1μA current in the "off" state

   Internal charge pump to drive the gate of an N-channel power FET above supply

   Available in small outline SOIC packages

  Internal zener clamp for gate protection

  Minimum external parts count

  Can be used to boost drive to low-side power FETs operating on logic supplies

  25μs typical turn-on time with optional external capacitors

  Implements high- or low-side drivers