Load switches save space and components

Load switches enhance the thermal and electrical performance of portable consumer electronics such as cellphones.

Fairchild Semiconductor has introduced a family of load switches to enhance the thermal and electrical performance of portable consumer electronics such as cellphones.

The family includes a device that is six times smaller than comparable alternatives.

The new Fairchild FPF100x family of IntelliMAX load switches use industry-leading packaging (WL-CSP or MLP) solutions to minimise size, and offer integrated slew-rate control, ESD protection and load-discharge capability to reduce system part count.

They also feature best-in-class low-voltage operation at 1.2V - further enhancing their appeal in battery powered applications.

The family consists of three new devices, designated as FPF1003, FPF1005 and the FPF1006.

The FPF1003 is the smallest part in the family, and comes in an ultra-small-footprint (1.0 x 1.5mm) wafer-level chip scale package (WL-CSP) that is six times smaller than similar load switches on the market.

This package type reduces RDS(on) for a lower voltage drop (30mohm at 5V) and higher current capability (2A), which in turn results in excellent electrical and thermal performance.

For an alternative package option, the FPF1005 and FPF1006 devices are available in an industry-standard, compact (2 x 2mm) moulded leadless package (MLP).

A key feature of the new load switches is their high integration to minimise the need for external components and improve reliability.

The FPF100x series integrates slew-rate control to minimise inrush current at turn-on to ensure reliable operation.

They also feature built-in ESD capability and drive circuitry.

The FPF1006 device offers a load-discharge option to discharge parasitic capacitance and further increase system reliability.

Using Fairchild's advanced CMOS MOSFET process, the FPF100x devices are rated at a low 1.2V voltage rating compared with typical devices on the market rated at 1.8V.

This enables these IntelliMAX load switches to manage power even in very low-voltage logic and processor solutions.

"Fairchild's IntelliMAX FPF100x family allows our customers to stay ahead of the market trend that calls for adding new features and functions into increasingly smaller end products", said Chris Winkler, Marketing Director, Low-Voltage Power Segment.

"By saving board space and reducing component count, these highly integrated load switches facilitate simplified designs, reduced system costs and faster time to market".

In addition to the new FPF100x series, Fairchild's IntelliMAX portfolio offers customers the most comprehensive choice of "smart" switches in the industry for applications ranging from 1.2 to 20V and 50mA to 2A.

These lead (Pb)-free devices meet or exceed the requirements of the joint IPC/JEDEC standard J-STD-020C and are compliant with European Union regulations now in effect.

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