DRV8711: Clarification on Gate Driver Usage in TIDA-01227 vs BOOST-DRV8711 with DRV8711

Tool/software:

Dear TI Technical Support Team,

I am currently working on a 4-channel stepper motor driver design using the DRV8711 IC, where we have selected SQJ952EP-T1_GE3 MOSFETs for the H-bridge stage.

While studying TI reference designs, I observed that the TIDA-01227 High Voltage Stepper Driver Reference Design includes an external LM5107SD/NOPB gate driver for the MOSFETs (CSD19538Q3A), whereas the BOOST-DRV8711 evaluation board drives the MOSFETs directly from the DRV8711 outputs without any external gate driver or level shifter.

I would like to understand the following points for design optimization:

1. What is the major difference between the BOOST-DRV8711 and TIDA-01227 designs from a gate drive architecture and voltage standpoint?

2. Why is an external LM5107 gate driver required in the TIDA-01227 design but not in the BOOST-DRV8711?

3. In my custom design (4-channel DRV8711 board using SQJ952EP-T1_GE3 MOSFETs), do I also need to include an external gate driver to ensure proper MOSFET switching and performance?

I attached my schematic for your reference. Your guidance on this will help ensure that our design follows best practices for reliability and thermal performance.

Thank you for your support.

Best regards,

Upendra Talluri