Integrated hot swap power management controller for next-generation wireless, computing and communications systems

The single-chip TPS2359 from Texas Instruments is a dual-slot hot swap manager for Advanced Mezzanine Cards (AdvancedMC) used in wireless, telecom and computing systems, including custom, AdvancedTCA (ATCA) and MicroTCA systems. The TPS2359 significantly improves the flexibility and performance of hot swap power management design in applications ranging from 3G/beyond 3G wireless base stations and network equipment to high-end data communications.

The I²C-programmable TPS2359 hot swap controller performs all necessary power interface functions for two AdvancedMCs, while requiring the fewest possible external components. The controller eliminates up to 75 percent of the components required in competing solutions. Enabling seamless PnP insertion and removal of AdvancedMCs during system operation, the device’s two fully integrated 3.3V channels provide inrush control, over-current protection and FET ORing control functionality. In addition, two 12V channels provide the same functions using external FETs and sense resistors. The controller’s 3.3V current limits are set at the factory to AdvancedMC-compliant levels and the 12V current limits can be programmed using external resistors. The TPS2359’s integrated ORing control capability simplifies power design for MicroTCA power modules or other implementations that manage redundant power in the AdvancedMC slot. When used with a low Rdson N-channel MOSFET, the controller seamlessly manages power distribution while protecting the system from potentially dangerous reverse-current or transient events by providing an extremely fast turn-off response of 130ns.

The highly flexible controller’s I²C interface allows a designer to digitally configure and monitor the AdvancedMC hot swap solution over a two-wire bus, and with fewer required external components and pins. This interface programs current limit, fast-trip threshold, and fault time. The TPS2359 also features enable or disable of the ORing, multi-channel cross-connect and auto-retry. For digital power supply systems, this allows designers to better manage the system’s overall performance. For example, a hot swap solution with the TPS2359 can alert the system of any over-current, fast-trip and current-limit situation.