Analog Devices Inc. LT1910IS8#PBF

Overview

LT1910IS8#PBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a fault-protected high-side N-channel MOSFET gate driver IC designed for industrial, avionics, and automotive power switching. It integrates a self-contained 750kHz charge pump to drive the gate up to 15V above V+, supports 8V–48V supply range, withstands –15V to 60V supply transients, and features programmable current-limit protection with automatic restart via external timing capacitor. It is used in electronic circuit breakers and solenoid drivers where robust overcurrent protection is critical.

For engineers reviewing the LT1910IS8#PBF datasheet, LT1910IS8#PBF pinout, LT1910IS8#PBF application, or LT1910IS8#PBF equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated short-circuit protection with open-collector FAULT flag, voltage-limited gate drive, SO-8 package compatibility, and guaranteed operation across –40°C to 125°C industrial temperature range.

Technical Context

The LT1910IS8#PBF implements a supply-referenced current-sense architecture using a 65mV nominal threshold at the SENSE pin with 0.33%/°C temperature coefficient-matched to copper PCB shunts. Its internal charge pump generates gate voltage up to 15V above V+ without external components, enabling full enhancement of standard N-channel MOSFETs in high-side configurations.

Overcurrent detection triggers immediate GATE turn-off and discharges the external TIMER capacitor; a 14µA current source then recharges it to 2.9V to initiate automatic restart. The FAULT pin asserts low when TIMER falls below 3.3V and resets high only after TIMER exceeds 3.4V-ensuring clean fault signaling during recovery.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LT1910IS8#PBF is housed in an 8-lead plastic SO-8 (narrow, 0.150") package with exposed pad not electrically connected. Pin 1 is marked by bevel edge or dimple; thermal resistance θJA = 150°C/W. The package supports surface-mount reflow per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-side MOSFET driver applications.

Compared with LTC1155 and LT1161, the LT1910IS8#PBF delivers single-channel high-side drive with the highest level of integration-combining charge pump, current sense, timer, and fault flag in one SO-8 package-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, reliability-critical single-load switching where supply transients and thermal extremes are present.

Availability

LT1910IS8#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial circuit breakers, automotive solenoid drivers, and avionics power distribution systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for LT1910IS8#PBF includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices, Inc. (acquired Linear Technology in 2017) is a global semiconductor leader specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for precision, reliability, and ruggedness-critical applications.

The LT1910 product line was developed by Linear Technology specifically for fault-tolerant high-side power switching in harsh environments-emphasizing transient immunity, temperature-stable current sensing, and autonomous protection without microcontroller intervention.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage the LT1910IS8#PBF can withstand without damage?

The LT1910IS8#PBF is 100% tested and guaranteed to survive supply transients from –15V to +60V applied between V+ and GND pins. Exceeding 60V-even briefly-may cause catastrophic failure. For systems prone to >60V transients, a transient voltage suppressor (e.g., SMAJ48A) must be placed directly across V+ and GND. This rating applies to the LT1910IS8#PBF regardless of operating temperature or load condition.

How does the LT1910IS8#PBF implement current limiting without external sense amplifiers?

The LT1910IS8#PBF uses an internal supply-referenced comparator with a precise 65mV threshold at the SENSE pin. When the voltage drop across the external drain-sense resistor exceeds this threshold, the comparator triggers immediate GATE turn-off and TIMER capacitor discharge. No external op-amp or gain stage is needed-the LT1910IS8#PBF performs full current-limit protection autonomously using only the SENSE and V+ connections.

Can the LT1910IS8#PBF drive logic-level MOSFETs at low supply voltages?

Yes-the LT1910IS8#PBF's charge pump can fully enhance logic-level N-channel MOSFETs down to 8V supply. At V+ = 8V, the gate drive reaches ~12V above V+, sufficient for MOSFETs with VGS(th) ≤ 2.5V. Standard MOSFETs may require ≥12V supply for full RDS(on) reduction. The LT1910IS8#PBF datasheet confirms functional operation across the full 8V–48V range, validated for the LT1910IS8#PBF I-grade variant.

What is the purpose of the TIMER pin, and how is restart delay calculated?

The TIMER pin connects to an external capacitor (CT) that sets the off-time after overcurrent detection. A 14µA internal current source charges CT from <1V to 2.9V; time = (2.9V − 1V) / 14µA × CT ≈ 136 × CT (in seconds for CT in farads). For example, CT = 1µF yields ~136ms restart delay. This timing is factory-characterized across –40°C to 125°C for the LT1910IS8#PBF and published in Typical Performance Characteristics.

Is the LT1910IS8#PBF pin-compatible with other Linear Technology high-side drivers like the LT1161?

No-the LT1910IS8#PBF uses an 8-pin SO-8 package with unique pinout (e.g., GND at Pin 1, TIMER at Pin 2), whereas the LT1161 is a 20-pin SO package with different signal allocation and quad-channel architecture. There is no pin-to-pin or functional drop-in replacement between LT1910IS8#PBF and LT1161. Substitution requires PCB redesign and firmware adaptation for multi-channel coordination.