When switches are used to turn loads on and off, often external circuitry is needed to achieve desired functions. The Vishay smart load switch combines all this functionality in a single IC. As the features of this IC, a simplified GPIO control can be used to implement power distribution and sequencing of multiple-sub-systems. Slew-rate control load switches provide a controlled supply ramp, reducing inrush current.

The output node has a defined decay with quick output discharge and does not leave the node floating. Fault protection and isolation load switches can have integrated protection features such as reverse-current, over-temperature, current-limiting, and short-circuit, thus increasing robustness. Integrated load switches use significantly less PCB area compared to a discrete implementation, and reduced BOM count translates to lower-manufacturing costs.       

• Power Distribution and Sequencing:
  • In many applications, there is a repetition of power rails of the same voltage. Instead of using multiple DC-DC converters to generate same voltage rails, load switches can be used to distribute the power from the DC-DC converter and sequence it in the appropriate order, reducing the board space required.
• Slew Rate Control:
  
  • Core voltages should ramp up monotonically for FPGAs and other similar loads to exhibit desired behavior. A high inrush current can cause the supply voltage to dip. With a controlled slew rate at the output, load switches reduce inrush current and hence, reduce input supply voltage dip.
• Power Saving:
  • In battery applications, not all functions are active at the same time. For instance, when a function like the GPS is not being used, the RFPA for the satellite receiver and the applications co-processor could be turned off to save power.

Applications
Smartphones and tablets Digital still/video cameras Portable meters and test instruments	Communication devices with embedded batteries Portable medical and healthcare systems Data storage