Linear Technology Launches New Dual 4A PowerPath Ideal Diode

Very low forward voltage of 15mV

November 14, 2011 – Linear Technology Korea (Country Manager Hong Sa-kwak, www.linear.com ) announced the development of the monolithic 2-channel 4A PowerPath™ Ideal Diode (Product Name: LTC4415). This product reduces heat, voltage drop, and board space while saving battery run time in power switchover circuits. The LTC4415 enables load sharing or automatic switchover, making it ideal for applications requiring Ideal Diode ORing functionality between two input power sources. The LTC4415 features a very low forward voltage of 15mV; being significantly lower than that of Schottky diodes, this not only extends battery run time and the operating voltage range but also ensures that no oscillation occurs during supply switchover. Its low on-resistance of 50mΩ reduces power loss and heat.

The LTC4415 provides a highly efficient diode ORing power source by enabling the simultaneous use of two power supplies while ensuring a reverse current flow of less than 1µA from the OUT pin to the IN pin. This IC operates from a minimum of 1.7V to a maximum of 5.5V, making it well-suited for supercapacitor backup systems, and supports the latest trend-oriented low-voltage supply rails. Other applications include high-current PowerPath switches, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), battery backup systems, emergency systems with battery backup functions, and logic-controlled power switches, as well as systems that require power from multiple input sources, such as automotive and industrial systems.

The maximum forward current of the LTC4415 at each ideal diode is adjustable up to 4A, providing excellent system flexibility, and the standby current consumption of the LTC4415 is less than 45µA. This ideal diode current can be monitored via the voltage of the current limit control pin. The two ideal diodes can be enabled individually or selectively prioritized using auxiliary inputs EN1 and EN2 for precision thresholds. If one of the output voltages exceeds the respective input voltage, the ideal diode is powered off, and the open-drain status pin indicates a conduction state. The corresponding warning pin is pulled low if the die temperature approaches thermal shutdown or if the output load exceeds the current limit threshold. An internal thermal limiting circuit protects the device in the event of a failure, and a soft-start function limits inflow current during startup.

The LTC4415 is available in Grades E and I, with both versions operating over a temperature range of -40°C to 125°C. These products are supplied in 16-pin 3mm x 5mm DFN and MSOP packages. The price is $2.95 per unit in 1,000-piece quantities. For more information, please visit www.linear.com/product/LTC4415 .

Photo caption: Dual monolithic 4A low-loss PowerPath™ Ideal diode


Product Features

• Dual 50mΩ Monolithic Low Leakage Ideal Diode
• 1.7V ~ 5.5V operating range
• Current limit adjustable up to 4A for each diode
• 15mV forward drop during regulation
• Low operating current of 44μA
• Smooth switchover in diode ORing
• Load current monitor
• Precision enable threshold for switchover settings
• Soft start function for limiting surge current during startup
• Status pin for forward diode conduction indication
• Current and thermal limiting functions with warning notifications
• Thermally enhanced 16-pin MSOP & DFN (3mm x 5mm x 0.75mm) package