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What Is the IR2153? Self-Oscillating Half-Bridge Driver and Uses

November 2, 2026 5 min read
Quick answer

The IR2153 is a self-oscillating half-bridge gate driver. Thanks to its RT/CT frequency-set internal oscillator (essentially a 555 for a half-bridge) it runs a half-bridge without an external controller; it is used in SMPS and electronic ballasts. It produces internal dead-time and needs bootstrap. It is ideal for low-cost SMPS with no MCU.

The IR2153 is a self-oscillating half-bridge gate driver. It contains an oscillator (frequency set by RT/CT, essentially a 555 for a half-bridge); it runs a half-bridge without an external controller. For the concept, see what is a gate driver.

What is the IR2153 used for?

Simple switching power supplies (SMPS), electronic ballasts and half-bridge converters. RT and CT set the frequency; internal dead-time drives the top/bottom MOSFET safely. It is ideal for low-cost SMPS that need no microcontroller.

Key pins (functional — PDIP-8)

  • VCC / COM: supply / reference.
  • RT / CT: resistor/capacitor that set the oscillator frequency.
  • HO / LO: top / bottom gate output.
  • VB / VS: high-side bootstrap / reference.

Watch out

The frequency is set by RT×CT; it produces a ~50% duty cycle + internal dead-time. A bootstrap circuit is needed. Because it works in mains-voltage SMPS, isolation and safety are critical.

Equivalents

  • IR2104: a half-bridge without an oscillator (needs an external driver signal).
  • IR2151 / IR2155: close self-oscillating drivers.
  • SG3525 / TL494: PWM controller alternatives.

Find it in our catalog

Use the IR2153 search.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IR2153?+
The IR2153 is a self-oscillating half-bridge gate driver. Thanks to its RT/CT frequency-set internal oscillator it runs a half-bridge without an external controller; it is used in SMPS and ballasts.
How is the IR2153's frequency set?+
It is set by the RT resistor and CT capacitor (RT×CT). The driver produces a ~50% duty cycle and internal dead-time.
What is the difference between the IR2153 and the IR2104?+
The IR2153 has an internal oscillator (it runs on its own); the IR2104 has no oscillator and needs an external drive signal. For a simple SMPS with no MCU, choose the IR2153.
What is an equivalent to the IR2153?+
The close self-oscillators IR2151/IR2155; the oscillator-less IR2104; the PWM controllers SG3525/TL494.
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