How do I use eFuse IC (electronic fuses) and load switch ICs separately?

The differentiation between using eFuse IC (electronic fuse) and load switch IC is mainly determined by "purpose," "required protection functions," "cost," and "design complexity."

The load switch IC is mainly used for reducing system power consumption and setting power supply sequences. In contrast, the eFuse IC is mainly used in USB, HDMI®, and servers or storage systems in data centers, where hot-plug/hot-swap operations are performed.
For example, hot swap refers to the insertion or removal of connectors or boards while the system is operating with power supplied. At this time, the board or system being replaced may be subjected to overvoltage or overcurrent.
The optimal protection IC to protect the system from such abnormal conditions is the eFuse IC.

[Differences between eFuse IC and load switch IC]

  • Acquisition of safety standard (IEC62368-1)
    ICT and AV equipment used in commercial devices such as consumer and industrial products require the international safety standard IEC62368-1, which demands rapid and reliable power shutdown in the event of equipment abnormalities. Some of our eFuse IC products are certified as IC current limiters under this safety standard. For products that have obtained safety certification, please check the URL below.
  • Short-circuit protection function
    With the short-circuit protection function, the output can be shut down in a very short time when a load short or the VOUT terminal is shorted to GND.
  • Overcurrent protection function
    The output current can be limited to any set value by using an external resistor.
  • Recovery operation from two types of overheat protection
    The eFuse IC lineup includes recovery operations for two types of overheat protection functions.
    Auto-retry type: After detecting an overheat condition and shutting down the output, the output is automatically turned on again after a certain period of time to recover.
    Latch type: After detecting an overheat condition and shutting down the output, the output remains shut down until it is reset by the EN/UVLO signal.
Example of eFuse IC usage
Figure 1. Example of eFuse IC usage
Example of load switch IC usage
Figure 2. Example of load switch IC usage

Related Links

Please refer to the following pages and documents for product lineup and other documents.

FAQs

Application Notes

Product page eFuse IC
Products
e-Learning Basic of eFuse ICs
e-Learning

For Power Management ICs

* Company names, product names, and service names used in this FAQ may be of their respective companies.

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