8µA IQ Surge Stopper Protects Electronic Systems from Overvoltage & Overcurrent Transients

MILPITAS, CA – April 25, 2016 – Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC4380, an ultralow quiescent current (IQ) surge stopper, providing compact overvoltage and overcurrent protection for always-on 4V to 72V electronics in automotive, industrial and avionic systems. The LTC4380 replaces traditional shunt circuits composed of bulky inductors, capacitors, transient voltage suppressors (TVS), and fuses with a simple IC and series N-channel MOSFET solution, saving board space and enabling continuous operation through transient voltage or current surges. The LTC4380 protects downstream electronics from input overvoltage up to the MOSFET rating, while also protecting the power supply from output overload. Device current consumption is a mere 8µA in normal operation and 6µA in shutdown mode, prolonging battery run and standby time. The low current allows a large filtering resistor to the device supply pin, enabling operation through automotive cold crank and overvoltage transients above 100V.

During an input voltage surge, such as automotive load dump, the LTC4380 drops the excess voltage across the external MOSFET while clamping its gate and therefore the output to a safe voltage. This enables the use of lower voltage rated electronics downstream, saving costs. The clamp voltage is pin-selectable for 12V and 24V systems, or adjustable with an input Zener diode. During an output overload or short-circuit, the LTC4380 regulates the forward path to a current limit set by a sense resistor. For sustained overvoltage or overcurrent conditions, a MOSFET stress-accelerated timeout ensures safe turn-off of the MOSFET. In contrast, traditional protection circuits may blow a fuse or burn out the TVS, requiring repairs.

The LTC4380 withstands a reversed input, such as an incorrectly inserted battery, to -60V. Adjustable input undervoltage lockout threshold blocks start-up for out-of-range voltages, avoiding deeply discharged batteries. The device also controls inrush current during hot plug of a circuit board’s power supply.

The LTC4380 is available in four options: the LTC4380-1 and LTC4380-2 have a pin-selectable clamp voltage, whereas the LTC4380-3 and LTC4380-4 clamp voltage is set with an input Zener diode. After a fault, the LTC4380-1 and LTC4380-3 latch the MOSFET off, while the LTC4380-2 and LTC4380-4 automatically turn on with a 0.1% duty cycle. Specified over the 0°C to 70°C commercial, -40°C to 85°C industrial and -40°C to 125°C automotive temperature ranges, the LTC4380 is offered in 10-pin MSOP and 3mm x 3mm DFN packages. 1,000-piece pricing starts at $2.48 each. Device samples and evaluation circuit boards are available online or from your local Linear Technology sales office. For more information, visit www.linear.com/product/LTC4380

Liat

Recent Posts

QuamCore Emerges from Stealth with $9 Million in Seed Funding to Build World’s First Scalable 1 million Qubit Quantum Computer

Breakthrough in superconducting digital logic removes quantum scaling barriers, paving the way for large-scale quantum…

3 days ago

Qualcomm to Bolster AI and IoT Capabilities with Edge Impulse Acquisition

Highlights:  Acquisition complements strategic approach to IoT transformation, enhances developer enablement and expands leadership in…

5 days ago

Tower Semiconductor and Innolight Expand their Collaboration and Ramp Volume of Next-Generation SiPho Solutions for AI and Data Centers

New Technology Halves Laser Requirements for Streamlined, High-Volume Optical Module Production to Meet Growing AI…

6 days ago

Lenovo Just Launched the World’s First Laptop with an Under-Display Camera: Here’s How They Did It

Lenovo has redefined laptop innovation with the introduction of the Yoga Slim 9i, the world’s…

1 week ago

Power Supplies 10 to 50W industrial power supply series expanded with new mounting and protection options for increased system flexibility

TDK Corporation (TSE 6762) announces the introduction of multiple option configurations for the TDK-Lambda brand…

1 week ago

Nordic Semiconductor collaborates with Deutsche Telekom to make everything cellular connected

Introducing MECC: A seamless, scalable solution to unlock global IoT connectivity using nRF9151 module Nordic…

1 week ago