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High-side load switches are tiny devices that pack a big
punch when it comes to load control through a system. You may not even realize
that your cell phone, MP3, and GPS devices all use this electrical component. High-side
load switches maximize battery life of Lithium ion and Alkaline battery powered
systems by providing low quiescent current and low shutdown current.
High-side load switches are controlled by an external
enable signal, and are used for connecting or disconnecting a power source,
such as a battery or adaptor, from a given load. They are commonly used in
applications such as battery-powered portable devices.
A high-side load switch is different than a low-side
switch and a high-side power switch.
- Low side load switches connect or disconnect the
load to the ground and therefore sinks current into the ground.
- A high-power switch manages the output power and
limits its output current.
High-side load switches pass the input voltage and
current into the load and do not incorporate a current-limiting function. The
devices are composed of three elements:
- A pass element
- A gate-control block
- An input logic block
Texas Instruments
TPS27081A Load Switch
Texas Instruments has created a 1.2
- 8V, 3A PFET High Side Load Switch with Level Shift & Adjustable Slew
Rate Control. This device integrates a power positive channel field effect
transistor (PFET) and a control NMOS in a tiny package. Known as the TPS27081A,
the load switch is fully protected against electrostatic discharge capability (ESD)
strikes on all pins providing better ESD with all other on-board components.
The internal components are rated for up to 8V supply and support up to 3A of
load current. They can be used in a variety of applications.
Application diagram. Image
Credit: TI
Specific applications for the high-side load switch
include:
- LCD panels, which require inrush current control
to prevent system damages, as well as standby power isolation applications
- Prevention of current leakage
- Provide a true shut down for boost regulators
Texas Instruments offers a high-quality product that has
low ON resistance and high current PFET to suit your system's needs. The slew
rate is a vector representing the maximum rate of change of a signal. In an
electrical circuit it is defined as a maximum rate of change of the output
voltage and is represented by volts per second (V/S).
What experience do you have with high-side load switches?
Are you carrying one on you now?
This post was sponsored by Texas
Instruments Standard Linear and Logic, a client of GlobalSpec.
Click to view the 1.2 - 8V, 3A PFET High Side Load Switch datasheet.
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