19-3426; Rev 0; 10/04
Dual FireWire Current Limiter and Low-Drop
ORing Switch Controller
General Description
Features
The MAX5944 is a dual, current limiter/low-drop ORing,
switch controller power-management IC for FireWire®
applications. Each independent channel controls two
external power MOSFETs to regulate current from the
input power supply to the load and performs low-voltage-
drop power-supply ORing. The MAX5944 operates over
the 7.5V to 37V input range and provides inrush and out-
put current limit in addition to diode ORing functions suit-
able for FireWire applications.
♦ Provides Safe Hot-Swap for 7.5V to 37V Power
Supplies
♦ Dual-Channel Hot-Swap
♦ Low-Drop Power ORing with Ultra-Fast Turn-Off
♦ Active Current Limit
♦ ±5% Current-Limit Sensing Accuracy
♦ 2ms Current-Limit Timeout
The MAX5944 allows the safe insertion and removal of
FireWire peripherals into a live FireWire port by providing
inrush current control and output current-limiting func-
tions. The MAX5944 features a current-limit function that
actively limits the current drawn by the load with a 2ms
timeout. Its autoretry function then automatically restarts
after the 259ms autoretry delay time.
♦ Fast Current-Limit Response to Output
Short-Circuit Conditions
♦ Drives External n-Channel Power MOSFETs
♦ Independent Overcurrent Fault Status Outputs
♦ 259ms Autoretry Period
The ORing feature provides a very efficient way to pro-
tect the FireWire port when connected to another
FireWire peripheral that sources a higher voltage. By
turning off the external MOSFETS, the MAX5944 provides
a true bidirectional load disconnect. Each channel has
an independent ON/OFF control that results in less than
10µA supply current per channel.
♦ 10µA (Per Channel) Shutdown Current
♦ Independent ON/OFF Control Allows
Undervoltage Lockout Programming
♦ Fast Load Disconnect Control Through
ON/OFF Inputs
The MAX5944 operates over the -40°C to +85°C
extended temperature range and is available in a
16-pin SO package.
♦ Bidirectional Load Disconnect
♦ Power Routing from One Port to Another
Applications
Ordering Information
FireWire Desktop/Notebook Port
FireWire Peripheral Device Current Limit
FireWire Hub
PART
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
MAX5944ESE
-40°C to +85°C
16 SO
Pin Configuration
Hot Swap
TOP VIEW
INA
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16 SENSEA
15 GATE1A
14 GATE2A
ONA
FAULTA
ONQ1
MAX5944
13 OUTA
12 GND
OUTB
GATE2B
GATE1B
SENSEB
11 FAULTB
10 ONB
9
INB
Typical Operating Circuit appears at end of data sheet.
SO
FireWire is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
1
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.