Dual PowerPath Switch Driver

The LTC1473 provides a power management solution for single and dual battery notebook computers and other portable equipment. The LTC1473 drives two sets of back-to-back N-channel MOSFET switches to route power to the input of the main system switching regulator. An internal boost regulator provides the voltage to fully enhance the logic level N-channel MOSFET switches. The LTC1473 senses current to limit surge currents both into and out of the batteries and the system supply capacitor during switch-over transitions or during fault conditions. A user-programmable timer monitors the time the MOSFET switches are in current limit and latches them off when programmed time is exceeded. A unique "2-diode mode" logic ensures system start-up regardless of which input receives power first.

Applications

* Notebook Computers

* Portable Instruments

* Handi-Terminals

* Portable Medical Equipment

* Portable Industrial Control Equipment

* Power Path Management for Systems with Multiple DC Sources

* All N-Channel Switching to Reduce Power Losses and System Cost

* Switches and Isolates Sources Up to 30V

* Adaptive High Voltage Step-Up Regulator for N-Channel Gate Drive

* Capacitor Inrush and Short-Circuit Current Limited

* User-Programmable Timer to Limit Switch Dissipation

* Small Footprint: 16-Pin Narrow SSOP