LTC Presents New LTC4411 Power Path Controller
Linear Technology Corp. (LTC, Milpitas, CA) introduced the LTC4411, a low-loss Power Path™ controller that controls an integrated p-channel MOSFET to create a near-ideal diode function for power switchover or load sharing. When conducting, the voltage drop across the MOSFET is as low as 28mV, which is as much as 10 times less than a comparable Schottky diode. Applications include devices that are powered from a battery, and ac-dc input, load sharing and low-voltage backup power systems.
The LTC4411 improves system reliability by offering several protection features, including current limiting, thermal protection and reverse current detection for input supply protection. A logic-level input pin simplifies microcontroller interfacing, and an open drain status pin indicates the conduction status of the LTC4411. The pin can be used to drive the gate of an external p-channel MOSFET for switching between two input supplies. The LTC4411 operates from 2.6V to 5.5V supplies and is housed in a SOT-23 package.
The LTC4411 contains a 140 milliohm p-channel MOSFET. During normal forward operation, the drop across the MOSFET is regulated to as low as 28mV. Quiescent current is less than 40µA for load currents up to 100mA. If the output voltage exceeds the input voltage, the MOSFET is turned off and less than 1µA of reverse current flows from OUT to IN. Maximum forward current is limited to a constant 2.6A (typical), and internal thermal limiting circuits protect the part during fault conditions. During shutdown, the LTC4411 consumes less than 25µA.
The LTC4411 is rated for operation from -40°C to +85°C. Pricing for 1,000-piece quantities begins at $1.60 each.
