Protection and Control

Power protection and control ICs are used to monitor the input voltage to a load to ensure it is within specified bounds. If an out-of-bounds level is detected, a protection and control IC can either regulate the voltage or current, or switch off the power source to protect the load from damage. Reverse-voltage protection prevents system damage when the input voltage is accidentally reversed or when the output voltage is shorted to a higher voltage rail.

Power protection and control ICs offer a range of functions from load switching, such as with USB power switches, to fully configurable overcurrent, overvoltage, and undervoltage monitoring. Specialized protection and control circuits manage redundant power systems and in-rush current for hot board insertion applications.