The TPS2420 provides highly integrated load protection for 3-V to 20-V applications. The TPS2420 protects loads, minimizes inrush current, and safely shuts down in the event of a fault. The programmable fault current threshold starts the fault timer while allowing the current to pass to the load uninhibited. The programmable current limit threshold sets the maximum current allowed into the load, for both inrush and severe load faults. Both events use the programmable timer which inhibits all current to the load when it expires.

The dual protection thresholds are useful in applications such as disk drives. The start-up and seek currents are typically higher than the nominal current and during this time the load needs a low impedance path to deliver the power.