Evaluation Board User Guide UG-336
Rev. 0 | Page 5 of 8
GROUND CURRENT MEASUREMENTS
Figure 6 shows how the evaluation board can be connected to a
voltage source and a current meter (ammeter) for ground current
measurements. A resistor can be used as the load for the switch.
Ensure that the resistor has a power rating adequate to handle
the power expected to be dissipated across it. An electronic load
can be used as an alternative.
Ensure that the voltage source used can supply enough current
for the expected load levels. If voltage meters are connected at
the input or output terminals, subtract the current resulting from
the shunt resistance of the voltage meter for accurate ground
current measurement.
Follow these steps to connect the evaluation board to a voltage
source and current meter:
1. Connect the positive terminal (+) of the voltage source to
the VIN pad on the evaluation board.
2. Connect the positive terminal (+) of the current meter to
the GND pad on the evaluation board.
3. Connect the negative terminal (−) of the current meter to
the negative terminal (−) of the voltage source.
4. Connect a load between the VOUT pad on the evaluation
board and the negative terminal (−) of the voltage source.
The voltage source can now be turned on. If J2 is inserted
(connecting EN to VIN for automatic startup), the switch
powers up.
GROUND CURRENT CONSUMPTION
Ground current measurements can determine how much
current the internal circuits of the switch consume while
the circuits perform the load switch function. To be efficient,
the load switch must consume as little current as possible.
Figure 5 shows the typical ground current consumption for
various load levels.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
0.8 1.2 1.6 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6
GROUND CURRENT (µA)
V
IN
(V)
5mA
10mA
50mA
100mA
200mA
500mA
10294-005
Figure 5. Ground Current vs. Input Voltage (V
IN
)
10294-006
+
–
AMMETER
0.00112
+
–
VOLTAGE
SOURCE
LOAD
Figure 6. Ground Current Measurement
