Linear Technology Debuts LT1910 MOSFET Driver

Linear Technology Corp. (Milpitas, CA) introduced the LT1910, a rugged, high-side, n-channel, MOSFET driver with a wide operating supply range of 8V to 48V, and protection against supply transients from -15V to 60V. The LT1910 can be used as a solid-state circuit breaker or load switch to protect resistive, capacitive and inductive loads from short-circuit and over-current conditions. The LT1910 is designed for harsh operating environments such as industrial, avionics and automotive applications where poor supply regulation and/or transients may be present. Applications include stepper motors, dc motor control, robotics, heavy machinery and electronic circuit breakers.

The LT1910 contains a complete self-contained charge pump to fully enhance an external n-channel MOSFET without requiring any external components. The IC features short-circuit and over-current protection as well as a diagnostic output signal to alert the rest of the system in the event of a fault condition. When over-current is detected, the LT1910 turns off the MOSFET and automatically turns it back on after a set time period, eliminating the need for external control circuitry. The over-current value and timer are adjustable by the user. The LT1910 repeats the cycle until the fault is removed or the driver is turned off.

The LT1910 is offered in an eight-pin SO package. The LT1910 is rated for the industrial temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees C. Pricing starts at $2.05 each in 1,000-piece quantities.