ON Semiconductor has introduced a integrated bi-directional device, with positive and negative (+/-) overvoltage protection (OVP) for cell phones, MP3/4, PDAs and GPS systems, and overcurrent protection (OCP) for portable accessories such as FM transceiver, loud speakers and flash modules.

Eliminating the need for external components, the NCP370 protects portable devices against surge damage and also protects portable accessories by controlling reverse current.

The NCP370 improves the front end protection of the portable devices by providing positive protection up to +28 volts (V) and negative protection down to -28 V.

The device also provides OCP for the external accessories which are connected on the bottom connector and supplied via a lithium-ion battery.

Integrated low on resistance (Ron) N-channel MOSFETs effectively support the direct high charge current up to 1.3 amperes (A) requested by the portable electronics industry’s latest lithium battery charge levels.

The NCP370 is available with several overvoltage thresholds to address the maximum rating of the downstream applications. Additionally, the device offers a second "reverse" mode, enabling the regulation of the reverse current coming from a portable device’s battery to supply the external accessories such as an FM transceiver, audio functions or flash capabilities universally connected on the bottom connector of the portable devices.

The device is designed to internally limit current up to 1.6 A - a value that can be externally decreased by a pull down resistor - thus eliminating the need for an external OCP device in the application, reducing production costs and lessening the required PCB area in the final portable application.

The standby current of the device, which is lower than 1 micro-ampere (µA), avoids any battery discharge when the wall adapter is unplugged or when the phone is off, and so increases battery life and limits recharge iterations.

The NCP370MUAITXG is available in a 3 mm x 3 mm x 0.55 mm LLGA-12, lead-free (Pb-free), RoHS compliant package, priced at $0.80 per unit in 3,000 unit quantities.

More information: www.onsemi.com