When designing for circuits, it is often necessary to create a simple load-switch circuit by pairing a low R_DSON FET with a logic level FET to drive the gate. An integrated load switch, from Toshiba, allows a board designer to combine these components into a single small package device.

Using a load-switch IC offers the following benefits:

• Saves board space
• Lessens part count
• Reduces voltage drop
• Improves thermal efficiency
• Easy to design and control

In addition, load switch ICs add many features that would be difficult to implement otherwise such as the following:

• Multiple slew-rate options
• Reduced inrush current
• Auto-output discharge
• Over-current protection
• Over-temperature shutdown
• Active low versus active high with pull-down control
• Reverse current blocking