New Industry Products

Smart Diode Controller with Zero Quiescent Current

November 15, 2015 by Jeff Shepard

Texas Instruments (TI) today introduced the industry's first smart diode controller with zero quiescent current that provides better efficiency versus Schottky diodes and p-channel MOSFETs. The LM74610-Q1 provides lower power consumption and heat in a compact solution size, making it well-suited for reverse polarity protection in high-current industrial power tool and automotive applications.

The LM74610-Q1 features a unique floating ground architecture that models a diode behavior with zero ground current. Paired with TI's CSD17313Q2Q1 NexFETâ„¢ n-channel MOSFET, the duo emulates a diode rectifier when connected in series with a power source, discharging the MOSFET gate in the event of reverse polarity. The LM74610-Q1 can also be used to combine two alternate power sources in an ORing configuration to provide redundancy. Watch a video to learn how to protect your design from reverse voltage conditions.

LM74610-Q1 key features and benefits include: Zero quiescent current eliminates battery drainage and extends battery life. External n-channel MOSFET enables a scalable solution for a variety of current levels. 45V reverse voltage capability protects against automotive transients. AEC-Q100 qualified with 4 kV ESD protection for automotive applications.

For automotive alternator and industrial power ac rectification, TI offers the LM74670-Q1 smart diode controller, which has higher gate drive current (70uA) than the LM74610-Q1, allowing it to handle AC signals up to 300 Hz. Available in volume now from TI and its authorized distributors, the LM74610-Q1 is packaged in an 8-pin, 3-mm by 5-mm by 1.1-mm VSSOP package and priced at US$1.25 in 1,000-unit quantities.