LT4363IMS-1#PBF

Surge Suppression ICs, which are sometimes referred to as overvoltage or transient voltage protection ICs, are specially designed to protect sensitive electronic components from destructive transient voltage events. One such IC, LT4363IMS-1#PBF, is designed to protect very high-speed, low voltage data buses against higher voltage events. This application note will discuss the LT4363IMS-1#PBF’s field of application and its working principle.

The LT4363IMS-1#PBF’s field of application includes high-speed data buses and high-frequency device protection applications such as those in computers, video game consoles and other electronic products. The device also guards against overvoltage events such as electrostatic discharge (ESD), lightning and power supply noise. The protection level of the LT4363IMS-1#PBF is designed to last up to 800 volts of sustained overvoltage, 4 kV tested electrostatic discharge, 6 kV surge triggered electrostatic discharge and 40 A transients. These features make the device suitable for very sensitive applications.

The working principle of the LT4363IMS-1#PBF is based on a single series transistor. The transistor’s gate is driven by a voltage regulator that senses the voltage on the pad and regulates its gate accordingly. When an overvoltage situation occurs, the voltage on the pad will normally exceed the threshold voltage of the regulator, causing the transistor to enter a conductive state. This shunts the surge current to ground, limiting the voltage on the pad to an acceptable level.

Lt4363IMS-1#PBF also features a ‘Soft-Start’ function, which prevents high inrush currents that can be caused by sudden voltage transfers. When the system is powered up, the start-up sequence predetermines the resistance between the gate and the pad in order to isolate any potential shock from the pad. The device also has an active ESD clamping circuit, which increases the incoming ESD energy dissipation capacity of the system.

The LT4363IMS-1#PBF also has an adjustable voltage level protection circuit, which enables the user to set the voltage at which the device will enter a clamping state. This function helps protect the system from higher voltage events, such as lightning strikes. The device also features a built-in thermal shutoff that will protect the system from heat damage due to excessive current flow.

In summary, the LT4363IMS-1#PBF is a specialized IC designed to protect high-speed, low voltage data buses from overvoltage events. The device features a single series transistor that senses the voltage on the pad and activates a clamping state if the voltage exceeds the user-adjustable threshold. The device also has a ‘Soft-Start’ feature, an active ESD clamping circuit and a built-in thermal shutoff. These special features make the LT4363IMS-1#PBF ideal for use in very sensitive applications.