Micrel Offers MIC2007/08/09 and MIC2017/18/19 Power Switches

Micrel Inc. (San Jose, CA), a developer of IC and Ethernet solutions, offered six new additions to its family of high-current power switches, the MIC2007/08/09 and the MIC2017/18/19, which are aimed at personal computers, set-top boxes, docking stations, game controllers, and USB host devices where current limiting as protection against excessive loads and short circuits is required.

The MIC2007/08/09 ICs feature adjustable current limiting and the MIC2017/18/19 ICs offer both adjustable current capability and Kickstart, a new feature that handles high-current surge devices without the stalling or stuttering caused by standard current-limiting devices. The chips are part of the expanding family of MIC20xx power distribution switches introduced last quarter. The MIC2007/08/09 and MIC2017/18/19 feature a high power-to-footprint ratio of 0.5 A/mm². In addition, the ICs offer adjustable current limiting of up to 2 A in small packages that allows the customer to set a limit of his or her own choosing rather than choosing from a list of pre-set factory limits. Adjustability also helps inventory control as one IC can easily address the power needs of many designs.

The ICs all offer 100 mΩ maximum on-resistance and an adjustable current limit in a small form factor. The chips are capable of serving multiple (USB) ports. Standard features include a 2.5 V to 5.5 V operating range, output-enable control input, thermal protection, under-voltage lock-out, low quiescent current, and fault masking.

The MIC2007/08/09 and the MIC2017/18/19 are available in volume quantities, and in SOT-23 and 2 mm x 2 mm MLF™ package options. Pricing starts at $0.69 in 1,000-unit quantities for the SOT-23 packages, and $0.80 in 1,000-unit quantities for devices in the MLF packaging.