Linear Regulators Buckle Up For Automotive Designs

Capable of withstanding harsh operating conditions in automotive applications, the MAX15009 and MAX15011 300-mA linear regulators integrate switched-output and load-dump protection and operate over a 5V to 40V supply range. Both regulators protect against load-dump transients up to 45V and provide both short-circuit and thermal-shutdown protection plus an additional low-resistance switched output that can independently power remote loads. The switched output features a current-limit sensing circuit with an adjustable current limit as well as adjustable current-limit fault blanking and auto-retry delay. The devices consume 70 mA of quiescent current in a stand-alone configuration and 16 mA in shutdown mode. Otherwise similar, the MAX15009 integrates an over-voltage protection controller, configurable as a switch controller or as a voltage limiter. Available in a 32-pin TQFN package measuring 5 mm x 5 mm, prices start at $1.32 each/1,000. MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.