Power Electronics / Power Management


Hot swap controller for 3,3/5 V compact PCI applications

28 February 2001 Power Electronics / Power Management

Linear Technology's LTC1646 is a CompactPCI hot swap controller that allows cards to be safely inserted or removed while the system is running. The LTC1646 directly controls the 3,3 and 5 V supplies for those applications not utilising the +12 V supplies provided by the system. The controller ramps up the supplies in a controlled manner to minimise the potentially damaging in-rush current. It also provides a pre-charge bias for the I/O pins.

The CompactPCI bus is becoming popular in industrial, embedded control and networking server applications due in part to its hot swap control features. The LTC1646 supports the hardware necessary to implement the software features within the CompactPCI specification. While the specification provides 3,3, 5 and +12 V supplies to the backplane, plug-in cards are not required to use them all. The device is specifically designed for those applications that use only the 3,3 and 5 V supplies - or even just one of the 3,3 or 5 V rails - not the +12 V supplies. An internal 15 V charge pump ramps up external N-channel MOSFETs to turn on and off the supplies in a controlled manner. The controlled power up helps prevent supply glitches during power-up and also prevents excessive power dissipation while protecting the board if a short exists. The circuit breakers provide protection if an over-current fault or short-circuit occurs. Foldback current limiting lets the supplies power up in current limit for a specified period of time; this allows the LTC1646 to power boards with widely varying capacitive loads and limit transients without tripping the circuit breakers.

The controller comes in the narrow 16-pin SSOP screened to both the commercial and industrial temperature ranges.

Insight Memec

(021) 674 4124





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

3-terminal filters for automotive applications
RS South Africa Power Electronics / Power Management
TDK has expanded its YFF series of 3-terminal filters for automotive applications to include higher voltages up to 35 V and higher capacitances up to 4,7 µF.

Read more...
Simple battery charger ICs for any chemistry
Altron Arrow Editor's Choice Power Electronics / Power Management
The LTC4162 is a highly integrated, high voltage multi-chemistry synchronous monolithic step-down battery charger and PowerPath manager with onboard telemetry functions and optional maximum power point tracking.

Read more...
Why your PoE budget could make or break your next installation
Power Electronics / Power Management
In South Africa’s often unpredictable networking environments, understanding and planning your PoE budget is essential for system reliability, customer satisfaction, and long-term scalability.

Read more...
Five-minute EV charging a reality
Power Electronics / Power Management
Successfully demonstrated in Beijing recently at the Shanghai auto show, BYD claimed to add 400 km of range in just five minutes of charging.

Read more...
The evolution of power management in electronics
TRX Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
The Mibbo MPS Series metal-encased power supplies deliver solid, efficient power in a durable package that’s built to last.

Read more...
Power and precision in a compact package
Conical Technologies Power Electronics / Power Management
The Mibbo MPS Series metal-encased power supplies deliver solid, efficient power in a durable package that’s built to last.

Read more...
Robust PoE module
CST Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
The Ag59800-LPB high power, IEEE 802.3bt compliant, PD module from Silvertel offers typical efficiency of 95% making it an ideal choice for higher power, space-constrained applications.

Read more...
Cutting-edge solutions for Africa’s clean energy future
Power Electronics / Power Management
As Africa pushes towards reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy, Sungrow is driving transformation with cutting-edge innovations that enhance grid stability, reduce energy costs, and expand access to clean power.

Read more...
Transformer protection is a critical safeguard for municipal power stability
Power Electronics / Power Management
Transformer protection is not just a technical requirement; it is a vital component in ensuring the resilience and operational integrity of South Africa’s municipal power infrastructure.

Read more...
Reliable power solution
Conical Technologies Power Electronics / Power Management
The Mibbo MLD-120W-xxVx is a robust DIN-rail mounted DC-DC converter with a 120 W output capacity specifically designed for industrial and automation applications.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved