PowerPath, Ideal Diodes, and Load Switches

Analog Devices’ PowerPath, ideal diode controllers, and load switches protect power supplies by minimizing reverse currents back into the supply and shoot-through currents between supplies. Selection of the power source can be either by the highest voltage or highest priority.

For highest voltage selections, ideal diodes are employed in a diode-OR configuration. Applications include redundant supply ORing, supply holdup during input brownout, and reverse battery protection. For selection by highest priority, a prioritized PowerPath controller provides the most general-purpose and flexible solution. A prioritizer powers the system from the highest priority input that is within its valid voltage window. Applications occur in battery-equipped portable products, memory modules with capacitive holdup, and server subsystems with main and auxiliary supplies. Load switches provide reverse current flow protection for space constrained designs.