Power Op Amp Features Programmable Current Limits

The LT1970 power op amp features “on-the-fly” voltage-programmable output current limits with a guaranteed 2% accuracy. Source and sink current limits can be set and adjusted using a 0 to 5 Vdc control signal. Delivering output current to 500 mA, the device can directly drive external power transistors to boost the output current to any level. It also provides three diagnostic flags that indicate operational status. The open collector status flags can directly drive LEDs to signal that one amplifier has entered current limit, as well as thermal shutdown. Other features include a 600 µV maximum input offset voltage, 3.6 MHz gain-bandwidth product with a 1.6 V/µs slew rate, self current limit of 800 mA, and thermal shutdown protection. Available in a 20-pin TSSOP, pricing starts at $4.95 each/1,000. LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORP., Milpitas, CA. (831) 429-6288.