ADM1178

The ADM1178 is an integrated hot swap controller and current sense amplifier that offers digital current and voltage monitoring via an on-chip, 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), communicated through an I²C interface. An internal current sense amplifier senses voltage across the sense resistor in the power path via the VCC pin and the SENSE pin.

The ADM1178 limits the current through this resistor by control-ling the gate voltage of an external N-channel FET in the power path, via the GATE pin. The sense voltage (and, therefore, the inrush current) is kept below a preset maximum.

The ADM1178 protects the external FET by limiting the time that it spends with the maximum current running in it. This current limit period is set by the choice of capacitor attached to the TIMER pin. Additionally, ADM1178 provides protection from overcurrent events that may occur after the hot swap event is complete. In case of a short-circuit event, the current in the sense resistor exceeds an overcurrent trip threshold, and the FET is switched off immediately by pulling down the GATE pin. A 12-bit ADC can measure the current seen in the sense resistor, as well as the supply voltage on the VCC pin. An alert output can be set to trigger when the ADC current reading exceeds a programmed overcurrent limit threshold.

An industry-standard I²C interface allows a controller to read current and voltage data from the ADC. Measurements can be initiated by an I²C command. Alternatively, the ADC can run continuously, and the user can read the latest conversion data whenever it is required. Up to four unique I²C addresses can be created, depending on the way the ADR pin is connected.

The ADM1178 is packaged in a 10-lead MSOP.