Load switches

Make the switch from discrete to integrated

Load switches are a simple, cost-effective way to turn on and off your power rails. Our broad portfolio includes extensive current, package, and timing options. Plus, our easy-to-use parametric search tool will quickly help you find the solution to reduce your shutdown current or reduce the BOM count in your design.

Featured load switches

Flexible timing

Options include a fixed or adjustable linear rise time. This can be used to manage inrush current or power sequence loads

Lower power consumption

For battery powered applications, we offer load switches with as low as 10nA of shutdown current.

Broad current range

Select a switch to support your low, mid or high current rails

Extensive package options

Find the package option that works best in your manufacturing environment.

WCSP
Plastic

TPS22992

5.5-V, 6-A, 10-mΩ load switch with adjustable rise time and adjustable quick output discharge

TPS22950

5.5-V, 2-A, 40-mΩ load switch with adjustable current limit

TPS22965-Q1

5.7-V, 4-A, 16-mΩ automotive load switch with adj. rise time and output discharge

What are load switches?

Integrated load switches from the TPS229xx family are integrated electronic relays used to turn on and off power rails. Most basic load switches consist of four pins: input voltage, output voltage, enable, and ground.

Shown below is a block diagram of a basic load switch. For a higher level of input or output power protection, check out our eFuse devices, which include features such as overvoltage shutdown, current limiting, and short circuit protection.

Hover over a block for additional information

The pass FET is the main component of the load switch, which determines the maximum input voltage and maximum load current the load switch can handle. The on-resistance (RON) of the load switch is a characteristic of the pass FET.

The gate driver charges and discharges the gate of the FET in a controlled manner, thereby controlling the rise time (tR) of the device.

The control logic is driven by an external logic signal. It controls the turn-on and turn-off of the pass FET and other blocks, such as quick output discharge (QOD), the charge pump, and blocks with protection features.

The charge pump is used in load switches with an N-channel FET, since a positive differential voltage between the gate and the source is needed to turn on the FET.

Quick Output Discharge (QOD) is an on-chip resistor from VOUT to GND that is turned on when the device is disabled via the ON pin. This will discharge the output node, preventing the output from floating.

Additional features are included in different load switches. These include, but are not limited to, thermal shutdown, current limiting, and reverse current protection.

Featured literature

Basics of load switches

Learn fundamental basics of what load switches are, when they should be used, and how they can be implemented in a system.

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Integrated load switches versus discrete MOSFETs

Learn about the many drawbacks and limitations of a discrete switching solution and how they can be overcome with an integrated load switch.

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Key load switch resources

Video series: load switches vs. discrete MOSFETs

With an integrated load switch you can reduce solution size by 90% and greatly simplify the design process. These short videos explain what challenges you can overcome with an integrated solution.

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Online support & training

Personalize your training experience by accessing advice and support from the integrated load switch experts. Explore our on- demand training videos, application notes, reference designs and more.

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Looking for other power switches?

If you’re looking to reduce solution size and distribute your power, improve robustness with protection features, or diagnose against current conditions, then check out the rest of our portfolio.

Power management