LTC4358 provides alternative to Schottky diode

Linear Technology has released the LTC4358, a high voltage ideal diode controller that uses an internal 5A Mosfet.

It offers a low loss alternative to Schottky diodes in high current applications.

The controller and 20m Ohm internal N-channel Mosfet perform the function of a low forward voltage diode.

This provides a lower loss path compared with the Schottky diode, which in high current applications provides higher efficiency and preserves board area by eliminating the need for heat sinking.

The LTC4358 regulates the forward voltage drop across the internal Mosfet to ensure smooth switchover from one path to another, without oscillation.

A fast pull-down circuit minimises reverse current transients in the event a power supply fails or shorts.

The LTC4358 can be viewed as a three terminal diode for general purpose applications, such as reverse battery protection in automotive applications, or ORing power supplies in applications that demand high system reliability.

The LTC4358 single ideal diode controller is useful in applications where multiple redundant power supplies are paralleled to provide load sharing.

In N+1 redundant systems, the LTC4358 provides a convenient method to safeguard the system if one of the N supplies fails.

This ORing technique provides necessary isolation for live insertion and removal of converters onto the power bus and to provide isolation from the bus during a hard short.

If the power source fails or is shorted, the LTC4358 ensures a fast 500ns turn-off to minimise reverse current transients.

The LTC4358 is specified over the commercial and industrial temperature ranges.

It is offered in 4 x 3mm 14-pin DFN and 16-lead TSSOP packages.

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