Switches offer guaranteed latch-up prevention in high-voltage apps

NORWOOD, USA: Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) has introduced new switches able to guarantee latch-up prevention in high-voltage industrial applications operating up to ±20 V.

The ADG5412 and ADG5413 are designed for instrumentation, automotive, and other harsh environments that are prone to latch-up, which is an undesirable high-current state that can lead to device failure and persist until the power supply is turned off.

The new high voltage switches also achieve an industry best 8-kV HBM (human body model) ESD (electrostatic discharge) rating. This helps shield equipment from excess current and eliminates the need for designers to install additional protection circuitry. Download the data sheet or order samples.

“Latch-up, which may trigger a parasitic silicon-controlled rectifier structure, can be caused by many conditions, including poorly managed power supplies, exceeding the device’s max ratings, and glitches or spikes on switch and multiplexer inputs and outputs,” said James Caffrey, marketing and applications director, Converter Group, Analog Devices. “ADI’s ADG5412 and ADG5413 switches are manufactured using a proprietary high-voltage trench isolation process that is guaranteed to prevent latch-up from occurring, even under severe over-voltage conditions.”

The ADG5412 and ADG5413 each contain four independent SPST (single-pole, single-throw) switches. For applications where the analog signal is bipolar, the switches can be operated from dual supplies up to ±20 V. For applications where the analog signal is unipolar, the new switches can be operated from a single-rail power supply up to 40 V.

Each switch conducts equally well in both directions when ON and has an input signal range that extends to the power supplies. In the OFF condition, signal levels up to the supplies are blocked. All switches exhibit break-before-make switching action for use in multiplexer applications.