The MIC94040 from Microchip Technology is a High Side Load Switch IC that has been designed for Lithium-ion and NiMH/NiCad/Alkaline battery-powered systems, as well as non-battery-powered applications. It requires an input voltage of 1.7 - 5.5 V and an input current of up to 3 A. This load switch consists of an internal P-Channel MOSFET, logic level control circuit, and protection functions. It provides a rapid turn-on mechanism with a soft-start feature to prevent in-rush current events from pulling down the input supply voltage. The power switch IC also integrates an active pull-down circuit at the Enable input to keep the IC in a default OFF state until the Enable pin is pulled above 12 V. It uses the internal level shifting circuitry to switch from low voltage logic signals to higher supply voltage levels.
This high-side switch provides a low quiescent current and low shutdown current to maximize battery life. It is available in a surface-mount package that measures 1.2 x 1.2 mm and is ideal for PDAs, cellular phones, personal media players (PMP), portable navigation devices (PND), portable instrumentation, ultra-mobile PCs, industrial/datacom equipment, and other portable applications.
