Hot-swap controllers

Maxim has introduced the MAX5943/MAX5944, claimed to be the industry's first fully integrated hot-swap controllers for IEEE 1394/FireWire applications.

The devices allow the safe insertion and removal of FireWire peripherals from a live FireWire port.

Rated for operation from +7.5 to +37 V, the devices combine three functions into one IC: inrush and output overcurrent protection, adjustable low-voltage drop power-supply OR-ing threshold, and a true bidirectional load disconnect switch between the input power supply and the load.

The 5943 single-channel controller requires only two external components and draws less than 10 µa in shutdown mode. The 5944 is a dual-channel controller, and draws 20 µA in shutdown mode.

The controllers provide programmable current-limit and circuit-breaker features that limit the current drawn by the load.

Both devices feature Fault-bar status output that reports fault conditions, while the 5944 features independent Fault-bar status outputs for each channel.

The 5943 is available with a choice of latched-off or auto-retry fault management, and the 5944 has auto-retry fault management.