Ideal diode-OR & hot swap controller offers load current monitoring output

For supply ORing, low-loss N-channel MOSFETs replace power Schottky diodes and associated heat sinks, reducing voltage drop, power loss and solution area. The downstream Hot Swap MOSFET facilitates safe board insertion and removal from a live backplane, and protects from short-circuit faults with a fast acting current-limited circuit breaker. A low-offset ground-referenced output signal enables load current measurement with an external ADC.

The LTC4236 regulates a low 15mV forward voltage drop across the ideal diode MOSFETs to prevent DC reverse current while ensuring smooth current transfer during supply switchover. Ideal diode fast turn-on and turn-off minimises output voltage droop and transient reverse current. A diode off input and back-to-back MOSFET capability enable supply prioritisation, important when ORing a main supply with a higher voltage auxiliary supply or battery. In an output short-circuit, the LTC4236 further reduces its low 25mV current limit and runs an adjustable timer to limit MOSFET power dissipation. For application flexibility, the connector debounce filter delay is fixed internally or adjustable with an external capacitor.

The LTC4236 is available in two options: the LTC4236-1 remains off after an overcurrent fault, whereas the LTC4236-2 automatically turns on with a 0.15% duty cycle. Specified over the 0 to +70°C commercial and -40 to +85°C industrial temperature ranges, the LTC4236 is offered in a 28-pin 4x5mm QFN package. 1,000-piece pricing starts at $4.25 each. Device samples and evaluation circuit boards are available online or from your local Linear Technology sales office.