Based on Half-Bridge DC-to-DC Converter With Primary-Side Control User's Guide, TI uses the following schematic for driving the synchronous rectifiers on the secondary:
They use a gate drive transformer to pass the signal coming from the primary (from the controller U2) to the secondary, to the gate driver U3. However I don't understand what is going on in between. The pulses coming out of the controller are 12V and the transformer has a turns ratio of 1:1. D7 and D11 are double diodes with common anode. U3 is powered by an 8V supply (VDD2), but what is their purpose in this circuit?
Speaking of VDD2 which is generated in the upper right corner of the image - Will at the start-up of the converter be voltage between pin 6 and 10 of T1, even though the rectifiers are not switching? I believe so, that way they are able to turn on the secondary side too.
Thank you.