Dual 4A PowerPath Ideal Diodes

Jan 3, 2012 10:28 AM

Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC4415, a monolithic two-channel 4A PowerPath™ ideal diode device designed to reduce heat, voltage drop and board space while preserving battery run time in power switchover circuits. The LTC4415 is ideal for applications requiring an ideal Diode-ORing function for load sharing or automatic switchover between two input power sources. The LTC4415's ultralow 15mV forward voltage is significantly lower than a Schottky diode, thereby extending battery run time and operating voltage range while ensuring no oscillations during supply switchover. Low 50mohm on-resistance reduces power loss and heat.

The LTC4415 enables two power supplies to operate together with less than 1µA of reverse current flow from the OUT pin back to the IN pin, ensuring highly efficient Diode-ORing of the power sources. The IC operates down to 1.7V and up to 5.5V, aligning well with supercapacitor backup systems and supporting the trend toward lower voltage supply rails. Other applications include systems that typically take power from multiple input sources, such as high current PowerPath switches, uninterruptible power supplies, battery backup systems, emergency systems with battery backups, and logic-controlled power switches, as well as automotive and industrial systems.

The LTC4415's maximum forward current in each ideal diode is adjustable up to 4A for system flexibility, while the IC consumes less than 45µA quiescent current. The ideal diode currents can be monitored via current limit adjust pin voltages. The two ideal diodes are independently enabled and can optionally be prioritized using complimentary inputs EN1 and /EN2 with precision thresholds.   If either of the output voltages exceeds its respective input voltage, that ideal diode is turned off, and open drain status pins indicate the conduction status. When the die temperature approaches thermal shutdown, or if the output load exceeds the current limit threshold, the corresponding warning pins are pulled low. Internal thermal limiting circuits protect the device during fault conditions while soft-start limits inrush current at start-up.

The LTC4415 is offered in E and I grades, both rated for operation from -40°C to 125°C in thermally enhanced 16-lead 3mm x 5mm DFN and MSOP packages. 1,000-piece pricing starts at $2.95 each.

Linear Technology
Part Number: LTC4415

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