Texas Instruments Introduces Smallest 18V Hot-Swap Controller

Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) introduced what it says is the industry’s smallest 18V hot-swap controller with power limiting that protects server and telecom equipment from over-current, over-voltage or short circuit events. The TPS24720 controller with programmable FET safe operating area (SOA) protection comes in a 3 x 3mm standard QFN package, increases system reliability and simplifies hot-swap design.

The controller minimizes in-rush current and protects the load and the FET from potentially damaging transients. The TPS24720’s programmable current limiting feature allows it to control an external N-channel MOSFET and provide accurate current monitoring. In addition when programmed to a 25-mV current limit threshold, there is a 50-percent reduction in sense resistor power loss compared to competitive devices with the same accuracy. The TPS24720’s analog current monitor can provide real-time current data to ultra-low-power MSP430â„¢ microcontrollers and TI’s UCD9081 power supply sequencer to monitor overall system operation.

Key features and benefits of TPS24720 include: a wide input voltage range of 2.5 to 18V; programmable FET SOA power limit and fault timer; programmable current gain allows designer to balance efficiency and accuracy; and accurate current monitoring.

The TPS24720 is available in volume now in a 16-pin, 3 x 3mm QFN package. Suggested resale pricing is $1.50 in 1,000-unit quantities. Other TPS247xx family members include the new TPS24700 and TPS24701, which are simple and accurate controllers that come in a small, 8-pin MSOP with a resale price of $1.10 in 1,000-unit quantities. In addition, the TPS24710/1/2 and TPS24713 have programmable FET SOA protection and are available in a 10-pin MSOP package with a resale price of $1.25 in 1,000-unit quantities.