Linear introduces circuit protection controller LTC4368

The LTC4368 circuit protection announced by Linear, which can ensure safe voltage and current levels for 2.5V to 60V electronic devices in battery-powered automotive, industrial and portable systems. It replaces fuses, transient voltage suppressors and discrete circuits to provide a compact and comprehensive solution to protect electronic circuits from harmful overcurrents and damage under overvoltage, undervoltage and reverse voltage conditions.

The LTC4368 controls back-to-back N-channel MOSFETs that provide a low-loss current path during normal operation and turn them off in the event of a forward or reverse overcurrent fault. The LTC4368-1 circuit breaker provides symmetrical forward and reverse current thresholds to protect the battery from overcharging and discharging currents.

The LTC4368 quickly disconnects the load from the input voltage beyond an adjustable and accurate overvoltage threshold. The adjustable undervoltage lockout disables operation at low input voltages to avoid deep battery discharge. When plugged in, reverse power protection isolates the polarity from the battery, eliminating the need to place diodes in the circuit path. Eliminating diode drop and 2.5V operating voltage provides sufficient headroom for safe start-up. The device consumes only 80μA of current during normal operation and 5μA of device current in shutdown mode, extending battery operation and standby time. In addition, the LTC4368 can also control the inrush current during hot swapping of board power supplies.

There are currently two versions, the LTC4368-1 provides a 50mV reverse circuit breaker detection threshold, and the LTC4368-2 has a 3mV reverse threshold. After an overcurrent fault occurs, the pin configuration determines if the MOSFET is locked or turned on after a delay. The LTC4368 is suitable for commercial applications from 0oC to 70oC, industrial -40oC to 85oC, automotive temperature -40oC to 125oC, and is available in 10-lead MSOP and 3mm x 3mm DFN

Relevant LTC43 series products

Author：Brittany Antonia （The author of article owns the copyright.）