Normally-off D-mode driven direct drive cascode
View Patent ↗A direct drive cascode using a gate signal driven D-mode JFET connected in series with a power-enable-signal driven E-Mode JFET to provide a quick-operation high-temperature normally-off cascode configuration with low noise characteristics. The E-mode JFET may have the E-mode gate connected to ground with a pull down power element or resistor.
1. A direct drive cascade apparatus for use with a power input and a ground, comprising:
a power signal generator electrically connected to the power input and ground, the power signal generator outputting a gate control signal and a power enabled signal, the power enabled signal corresponding to the power input;
a dmode junction gate field effect transistor, with a dmode gate, the dmode gate connected to the gate control signal; and
an emode junction gate field-effect transistor, series connected with the dmode junction gate field effect transistor with an emode gate, the emode gate connected to the power enabled signal.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , the power signal generator further comprising:
a resistor connected between the dmode gate and ground.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , the power signal generator further comprising:
a resistor connected between the emode gate and ground.
4. A method for controlling a direct drive cascode for use with a power input and a ground, comprising:
providing a gate control signal;
providing a power enabled signal corresponding to the power input;
providing a series connected dmode junction gate field effect transistor and emode junction gate field effect transistor;
controlling the dmode junction gate field effect transistor with the gate control signal; and
controlling the emode junction gate field-effect transistor with the power enabled signal.