**ADM1073ARUZ: Hot-Swap Controller with Precision Current Monitoring and Fault Protection**

In the realm of high-availability systems, such as servers, network switches, and storage arrays, the ability to safely insert and remove circuit boards or modules—a process known as hot-swapping—is paramount. The **ADM1073ARUZ from Analog Devices** stands as a sophisticated and robust solution designed specifically to manage this critical process, integrating **precision current monitoring** and comprehensive **fault protection** into a single integrated circuit (IC).

The primary role of a hot-swap controller is to ensure that a live board can be inserted into or removed from a backplane without causing electrical disturbances, such as large inrush currents, voltage spikes, or bus glitches, that could damage the board or disrupt the entire system. The ADM1073ARUZ excels in this function by actively controlling the gate of an external N-channel MOSFET pass transistor, which sits in series with the power supply path. Upon board insertion, the controller **ramps up the gate voltage gradually**, allowing the load capacitor to charge in a controlled manner and thus **effectively limiting the inrush current**.

A defining feature of the ADM1073ARUZ is its high-accuracy current sensing capability. It utilizes a small **external sense resistor (RSENSE)** to measure the load current continuously. The voltage drop across this resistor is amplified and made available on a dedicated output pin, which can be read by an external analog-to-digital converter (ADC), typically within a system's microcontroller or management processor. This provides real-time, precise data on power consumption, enabling advanced system management, power budgeting, and trend analysis.

Beyond its monitoring prowess, the IC is engineered for robust protection. It constantly compares the measured load current against a user-programmable fault threshold. If an **overcurrent condition** is detected—such as a short circuit on the board—the device can react in two ways, selectable by the user: it can either latch off the MOSFET immediately, requiring a system reset, or employ an automatic retry mechanism after a timeout period. Furthermore, the ADM1073ARUZ incorporates **undervoltage (UV) and overvoltage (OV) protection**. It monitors the input supply rail and will prevent the external MOSFET from turning on or will quickly turn it off if the voltage moves outside predefined safe levels, safeguarding downstream components.

The device operates over a wide supply range, making it versatile for various standard voltage rails like 3.3V, 5V, and 12V. Its programmability, through external resistors and capacitors, allows designers to tailor key parameters such as the inrush current slew rate, fault current threshold, and UV/OV trip points to their specific application requirements. Housed in a compact 16-lead TSSOP package, the ADM1073ARUZ offers a powerful blend of features in a small footprint.

**ICGOODFIND:** The ADM1073ARUZ is an exceptional hot-swap controller that provides designers with a critical blend of **precision monitoring** and **robust, programmable protection**. Its ability to ensure safe hot-swap operations, coupled with detailed system-level power data, makes it an indispensable component for building reliable, high-availability electronic systems in data communication and enterprise computing.

**Keywords:**

* Hot-Swap Controller

* Precision Current Monitoring

* Fault Protection

* Inrush Current Limiting

* Overcurrent Protection