New TI Device Offers Hot-Swap Control & Digital Current Monitoring

Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) introduced a new, highly integrated protection device that integrates hot-swap control and precise digital current monitoring. The TPS2480 controller provides the most accurate measurement of power usage, within one percent accuracy over temperature, allowing system designers to generate a detailed history of system performance, anticipate failures and implement advanced system power health monitoring.

The TPS2480 is designed to minimize in-rush current and protect the load and the FET from over-current or short circuit events. It controls an external N-channel MOSFET switch and provides accurate voltage, current and power monitoring via an I²C interface. This information enables telecommunications equipment, enterprise networking products, automation control systems and medical equipment to communicate precise information on their operating status, take action to respond to critical situations, and extend usable lifetime of deployed equipment.

Key features and benefits of the TPS2480 include: a wide input voltage range of 9 to 20V; dynamic calibration, programmable FET power limit and fault timer; I²C monitoring of current, voltage and power; and high-accuracy current monitoring (one percent over temperature).

TI also introduced the new TPS2492 high-voltage, power-limiting hot-swap controller to support designers who desire increased protection against voltage surges using an analog output signal for current monitoring. The controller is said to provide excellent transient immunity, rated up to 80 volts, and filters out nuisance faults with a settable timer. A programmable overvoltage protection threshold also protects loads from unsafe voltage levels.

The TPS2480 is available in volume now from TI in a 20-pin, 6.4 x 6.6mm TSSOP package. Suggested resale pricing is $3.00 in 1,000-unit quantities. The TPS2492 is available now in a 14-pin, 6.4 x 6.6mm TSSOP package. Suggested resale pricing is $1.45 in 1,000-unit quantities.