Power sequencer and monitor boasts eight channels

Today's, microprocessors, DSPs, and ASICs require precise sequencing of power at startup and often have multiple points of load. Texas Instrument's UCD9081 addresses just such applications by integrating an eight-channel power sequencer. Moreover, the IC includes power monitoring capability on each channel and includes a non-volatile error logger. The Flash-based data logger allows designers to diagnose power failures.

The UCD9081 independently monitors eight voltage rails and features 3.5-mV resolution. Programmable under- and over-voltage thresholds help protect the increasingly expensive digital chips in a system. The IC offers a flexible rail startup and shutdown sequence and a fault response options adds further system and load protection. The UCD9081 also provides four general-purpose outputs for other system-diagnostic and -status functions such as power good or reset signals.

Designers can configure the UCD9081 via an I2C interface using TI's free GUI tool. Among other options, the GUI can set parameters such as under- and over-voltage threshold limits. You can also configure supply voltage sequencing via the GUI.

The UCD9081 is available now and costs $3.20 (1000) in a 32-pin QFN package. Get more information on the product, application notes and the free GUI here.