Hot-Swap Controller Turns On Positive And Negative Supplies

Operating with any combination of 2.7V to 16.5V and -2.7V to -16.5V supplies, the LT4220 dual voltage, hot-swap controller turns on the positive and negative supplies while allowing the pc board to be safely inserted or removed from the live backplane. Targeting split supply, ECL and RAID systems, as well as industrial control applications, the chip uses external N-channel MOSFETs in the power path to turn on the supplies in a controlled manner. A fault on either supply causes both FETs to pull low and to reset all internal latches. The device also protects against short-circuit faults and excessive supply current. The LT4220 comes in commercial and industrial temperature range versions and is housed in a 16-lead SSOP package. Pricing starts at $3.50 each/1,000. For more details, call Kristina Avrionova at LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORP., Milpitas, CA. (408) 432-1900 ext 2452.