IEEE1394/FireWire-Compliant Hot-Swap Controllers

Maxim Integrated Products’ new MAX5943/MAX5944 are the industry's first fully integrated hot-swap controllers for IEEE1394/FireWire applications. These devices allow the safe insertion and removal of IEEE1394/FireWire peripherals from a live IEEE1394/FireWire port.

Rated for operation from 7.5 V up to 37 V, the MAX5943/MAX5944 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 MAX5943 single-channel controller requires only two external components and draws less than 10 µA of supply current in shutdown mode. The MAX5944 is a dual-channel controller, and draws 20 µA in shutdown mode.

These 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 MAX5944 features independent FAULT-bar status outputs for each channel. The MAX5943 is available with a choice of latched-off or auto-retry fault management, and the MAX5944 has auto-retry fault management. Both devices operate over the extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°Celsius). The MAX5943 is available in a surface-mount 16-pin QSOP package, and the MAX5944 in a surface-mount 16-pin SO package. Prices start at $1.34 for the MAX5943 and $1.98 for the MAX5944.

For more information, visit www.maxim-ic.com.