TI’s new power-distribution switches provide highly accurate current limits to ensure safety and guard against short-circuits

Bangalore , Jan. 08, 2009 - Four new power-distribution switches from Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE:TXN) enable end equipment to handle heavy capacitive loads while preventing short-circuits in a variety of applications, such as USB ports/hubs, cell phones, laptops, flat panel TVs and set-top boxes. The new chips offer a programmable current-limit threshold from 75 mA to 1.3 A via an external resister with up to 6 percent accuracy. The constant current TPS2552/53 and latch-off TPS2552-1/53-1 provide at least a 50 percent improvement in current limit accuracy compared to competing solutions. The TPS2552/3 devices limit the output current to a safe level by switching into a constant-current mode when the output load exceeds the current-limit threshold while the TPS2552-1/3-1 turns the switch off completely during over-current events. The enhanced accuracy of the TPS2552/53 also enables the device to be used as a simple circuit-breaking or current-limiting solution for a wide range of applications outside of consumer end equipment, including optical modules and low current management rails in telecommunications systems. See: www.ti.com/tps2552-pr.

Key Features

+/-6 percent current-limit accuracy at 1.3 A
Meets USB current-limiting requirements
Adjustable current limit from 75 mA to 1,300 mA
Constant current (TPS2552/3) and latch-off (TPS2552-1/3-1) versions
Compatible with TPS2550/1
Wide, 2.5-V to 6.5-V input range
Fast 2-uS over-current response
-40 degree C to 85 degree C operating temperature range

No need to over-design power supply for inaccurate switch
Eases USB power implementation
Single device used across platforms, with just a resistor change
Fault behavior can be optimized for different designs
Easy upgrade path from existing TPS2550/1 products
Same product allows protection for 2.5-V, 3.3-V and 5-V rails
Switch response fast enough to protect power supply
Temperature range meets most commercial and industrial requirements
Small package options save board space

About Texas Instruments:

Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 25 countries. For more information, go to www.ti.com.