PowerPath controller eases power system design
Linear Technology has announced the LTC4417, a triple supply prioritised PowerPath controller for 2.5 to 36V systems.
The controller works by selecting the highest priority valid supply among three inputs to power the load.
Priority is defined by pin assignment, while a supply is considered valid after it has been inside a voltage window set by 1.5% accurate undervoltage and overvoltage thresholds for 256ms.
According to Linear, the device greatly simplifies designs, deriving power from multiple, disparate voltage sources common in handheld and high availability electronics. The controller also protects the load from reversed inputs to -42V.
PowerPath switching is implemented by external back to back P channel mosfets protected by integrated 6V gate clamps. Fast switch control blocks reverse conduction current while preventing output voltage droop.
