Load Switches Cover Range Of Input Voltages, Currents

The FPF250X series of highly integrated load switches from Fairchild Semiconductor features input voltages ranging from 4.5 V to 20 V and fixed current limits of either 0.4 or 0.8 A or adjustable minimum current limits of 0.5 to 2 A. These choices in the seven-member family, which is part of the company’s IntelliMAX product line, minimize design tuning and troubleshooting time. The load switches offer full protection against potentially damaging overcurrent conditions in low-power designs including industrial, telecom, medical, notebook, and consumer applications.

The devices reduce component count and minimize board space by integrating a 0.23-Ω current-limited N-channel MOSFET with protection features like thermal shutdown, controlled turn-on, and undervoltage lockout. Thermal shutdown prevents damage due to excessive heat, and controlled turn-on reduces in-rush current and supply transients during switch turn-on. The switches come in a lead-free SOT-23 package that complies with EU requirements and meets or exceeds the joint IPC/JEDEC standard J-STD-020B.