14 Load Switch IC Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for load switch ics as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 14 load switch ic manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked load switch ic companies as of November, 2024: 1.Analog Devices, Inc., 2.TOSHIBA CORPORATION, 3.Skyworks Solutions, Inc..
Table of Contents
What Is a Load Switch IC?
A load switch IC is an integrated circuit that combines the function of driving a MOSFET and FET with low on-resistance to turn the power supply on and off with the function of outputting various protection functions and abnormal conditions to the external IC.
The use of load switch ICs allows the number of components to be reduced compared to the same functionality achieved by a combination of individual electronic components, thus saving space.
Uses of Load Switch ICs
Load switch ICs are used in power supply circuits within electronic devices. Since most load switch ICs have a current rating of 0.5A to 5A, they are often used in information and communication equipment such as PCs, PC peripherals, and mobile devices rather than in industrial equipment that operates motors, solenoids, and the like.
Since they are equipped with various protection functions, they are suitable for applications that require protection of peripheral circuits and harnesses in the event of load short-circuit failure or abnormal FET heat generation, or for applications where connected devices, such as USB, can be inserted with the power on.
Principle of Load Switch ICs
1. Power Supply to Load
Load switch ICs use an internal P-channel FET or N-channel FET to turn on or off the power supply to the load. The FET drive circuit inside the load switch IC controls the gate voltage of the FET and changes the resistance between the drain and source of the FET, thereby realizing the ON/OFF function of power supply to the load.
2. Overcurrent Protection
When the current output from the load switch IC exceeds the specified value, the power supply to the load is turned off. The load switch IC can be protected when the output terminal of the load switch IC is shorted to GND or when a current flows to the load.
For example, if an overcurrent flows to the FET for load drive, the overcurrent will continue to flow to the FET if there is no overcurrent protection function. As a result, the FET may fail or the wiring may be broken. However, with overcurrent protection, the power supply to the load is turned off, so the FET will not fail or the wiring will be broken.
3. Overheat Protection
When the temperature of the semiconductor junction inside the load switch IC exceeds the specified temperature, the power supply to the load is turned off. The load switch IC can be protected when the external environment generates abnormal heat or when the load current is higher than expected.
For example, if a load fails and a larger-than-expected current flows to the FET, the FET will continue to generate heat and fail if the over-temperature protection function is not provided. On the other hand, with over-temperature protection, the power supply to the load is turned off and the FET will not fail.
4. Low-Voltage Protection
If the power supply voltage input to the load switch IC falls below a specified value, the load switch IC will be turned off. If the power supply voltage input to the load-switch IC falls below a specified level, the power supply to the load is turned off. This function prevents load malfunctions when the power supply voltage drops due to a failure of the power supply circuit.
For example, if the power supply circuit fails and the supply voltage becomes lower than the guaranteed operating voltage, the load will malfunction because the power supply to the load will continue to be ON without the low-voltage protection function. On the other hand, with the low-voltage protection function, the power supply to the load is turned off and the load will not malfunction.
Other Information on Load Switch ICs
Load-Switch IC Terminals
The typical pins of load switch IC are VCC, GND, EN, FLG, and VOUT.
- VCC pin
The VCC pin is the power supply input pin of the load switch IC. The power supply line to be supplied to the load is connected to this pin, and a ceramic capacitor for bypass is connected between the VCC and GND pins. The ceramic capacitor for bypassing must be placed close to the pin to be effective. - VOUT pin
The VOUT pin is the power supply output pin and is connected to the power supply line of the load. Since the parasitic diode of the MOSFET in the load switch IC is disabled, there is no reverse current flow from VOUT to VCC. - EN pin
The EN pin is an input pin that controls the power supply output of the load-switch contact ON/OFF. Connecting the EN pin to the output port of the microcontroller allows the power supply to the load to be controlled.
Since the logic and voltage level of the EN pin varies depending on the load switch IC, check the datasheet and connect the appropriate logic and voltage. - FLG pin
The FLG pin is an output pin that indicates the status of the load switch IC. The voltage on the FLG pin changes when the load switch IC is normal or abnormal.
By connecting the FLG pin to the input port of the microcontroller, the state of the load switch IC can be monitored. Normally, since the FLG pin is an open drain output, connect an external pull-up resistor and leave the pin unconnected when the FLG pin is not used.
List of 14 Load Switch IC Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Japan
- Netherlands
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Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
Featured Switches
Manufacturer Overview
Founded in Irvine, CA in 1962, Skyworks Solutions, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and markets proprietary semiconductor products. Its product portfolio includes amplifiers, antenna tuners, attenuators, automotive tuners and digital radios, clocks and timings, circulators/isolators, DC/DC converters, demodulators, detectors, diodes, wireless analog system on chip products, directional couplers, diversity receive modules, filters, front-end modules, hybrids, LED drivers, low noise amplifiers, mixers, modulators, switches, synthesizers, timing devices, technical ceramics, voltage controlled oscillators/synthesizers, and voltage regulators. The company provides its products for the usage in aerospace, automotive, broadband, cellular infrastructure, connected home, entertainment and gaming, industrial, medical, military, smartphone, tablet, and wearable markets.
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Analog Devices, Inc.
Load Switch ICs
Manufacturer Overview
Incorporated in 1965, Analog Devices, Inc. designs, manufactures, tests, and markets integrated circuits (ICs), software, and subsystems that leverage analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies. The company provides data converter products, power management and reference products for power conversion, driver monitoring, sequencing, and energy management applications in the automotive, communications, industrial, and high-end consumer markets. In addition, the company provides digital signal processing and system products for high-speed numeric calculations. It serves clients in the industrial, automotive, consumer, instrumentation, aerospace, and communications markets.
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GLF Integrated Power, Inc.
Load Switches
Manufacturer Overview
GLF Integrated Power, Inc. is a manufacturer of power control devices, founded in 2013, and located in Santa Clara, California. The company specializes in developing ultra-efficient, ultra-small, silicon power control and protection ICs. Some of its main products include the IQSmartTM ultra-efficient load switch device, which was launched in 2015 and achieved immediate design wins at major wearable, SSD, and portable device manufacturers. Its devices are intended to route power, turn power on and off, and protect sensitive electronics from faults such as surges and spikes, including Over Voltage, Under Voltage, Inrush, as well as Over Temperature.
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Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.,
SMART LOAD SWITCHES
Manufacturer Overview
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (Vishay) was incorporated in 1962 and is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania. The company serves the industrial, automotive, telecommunications, consumer products, and medical end markets and sells its products under numerous brand names inlcuding Siliconix, Draloric, Beyschlag, UltraSource, and Applied Thin-Film Products. The company manufactures and sells discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components in globally while operating in six market segments: MOSFETs, diodes, optoelectronic components, resistors, inductors, and capacitors.
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Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc.
Switch ICs
Manufacturer Overview
Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc., established in 1959, and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of semiconductors and electronic components. The company specializes in producing integrated circuits, discrete semiconductors, optoelectronic devices, which caters to industries such as telecommunications, automotive, and consumer electronics. The company holds ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certifications, ensuring quality in their products which are used for various applications, including wireless communication, automotive systems, and industrial automation, providing crucial electronic components for advanced technologies in various industrial and commercial sectors.
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Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage
Load Switch ICs
Manufacturer Overview
Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation is a division of Toshiba focusing on providing designs for end-product developers as well as semiconductor and drive equipment for automotive, industrial equipment, green energy, and consumer and personal electronic devices. Toshiba’s storage products include cloud-scale and enterprise-level products, and PC hard drives. Semiconductor products include Si Cower devices, MOSFETs, IGBTs, IEGTs, isolators, solid state relays, power management and intelligent power ICs, diodes, bipolar transistors, microcontrollers, automotive devices, ICs for wireless communication equipment, general purpose logic ICs, radio-frequency devices, sensors, and linear image sensors.
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Renesas Electronics Corporation.
Load Switches
Manufacturer Overview
Renesas Electronics Corporation was established in 2002 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Renesas is a global research, design, and manufacturer of semiconductors used in industries spanning automotive, consumer electronics, the internet of things, power & energy, and industrial sectors. Renesas manufactures both analog and digital products. Analog products include amplifiers, audio & video devices, data converters, PLC, and switches & multiplexers. Digital products include microcontrollers, memory components, sensors, wireless connectivity products, and others. Renesas also offers design resources such as kits, development tools, partner programs, and design tools.
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NXP Semiconductors
Load Switches
Manufacturer Overview
NXP was established in 2006 as a spinoff from Phillips and is headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands. The company is a co-founder of NFC communication and designs and manufactures semiconductors that serve the automotive, industrial, mobile, and smart home industries. The company’s automotive products include driver assistance transceivers, sensors, and security systems. For industrial markets, the company produces RFID readers, processors, and microcontrollers. For communication infrastructure, the company produces RF mixers, diodes, and low-noise amplifiers for wireless LAN networks. The company also produces peripherals, power management chips, communications chips, and interface devices.
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STMicroelectronics
High and Low Side Switches
Manufacturer Overview
ST Micro Electronics is a global semiconductor company serving customers with innovations to have a positive impact on people's lives. Their product line is micro electronic systems, such as switches, controllers, sensors and drivers. The main selling point of ST Micro Electronics is its provision of sustainable products, and introducing their electronics to create a more sustainable world. The company, as well as providing the electronic devices, also provides software and support, ensuring that all fields are covered to provide a fully provide a supported and strong relationship with their customer base. ST Micro Electronics believe that technology plays a key role in helping to solve environmental and social challenges, which is why their semiconductor technologies start with their employees, their customers and partners.
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Texas Instruments
Load Switches
Manufacturer Overview
Texas Instruments Incorporated was founded in 1930 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Texas Instruments is a producer of high tech equipment for industrial, automotive, personal electronics, communications equipment industries. Texas Instruments designs, manufactures, and sells semiconductors to electronics designers and manufacturers in the United States and internationally. Texas Instruments operates in two segments: analog and embedded processing. The Analog segment offers power products, including battery-management solutions, DC/DC switching regulators, power switches, linear regulators, voltage references, and lighting products. The Embedded Processing segment offers microcontrollers that are used in fields such as electronic equipment and digital signal processors for mathematical computations.
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Semtech
FemtoSwitch Load Switch ICs
Manufacturer Overview
Semtech, established in 1960 and headquartered in Camarillo, California, is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in the catering of solutions for wireless and wired communication, IoT, and sensing applications. The company has over 7,000 employees and operates in more than 20 countries. The company's products are used in several applications, including industrial automation, medical devices, telecommunications, and consumer electronics. Semtech's astute research and development milestones have been recognized through multiple awards and global partnerships reminiscent of their contribution to the advancement of technology.
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Trex Semiconductor
Load Switches
Company Overview
Trex Semiconductor is a developer and manufacturer of integrated circuit (IC) products that was established in Tokyo, Japan, in 1995. The company offers voltage regulator ICs for providing stable voltage output from variable input voltage, DC/DC converter ICs for power management applications, and hall ICs for detecting magnetic fields and outputting digital signals. It also offers design and production services for custom orders or unique projects. The company mainly serves client OEMs in the automotive, consumer electronics, and power distribution industries.
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TOSHIBA CORPORATION
Load Switch ICs
Company Overview
Toshiba has nearly a century-and-a-half-long history of pioneering the development of electrical equipment in Japan, providing customers with products and services such as energy systems and solutions and infrastructure systems and solutions. With a focus on digital technologies, Toshiba boasts cutting-edge products in semiconductors, barcode printers, and rechargeable Lithium-ion battery cells, modules, and industrial pack series. With arms in business, R & D, AI, sustainability, and digital solutions, Toshiba and its people evolve with the times, ensuring its continuing ability to solve ever-changing social issues through constant change. By utilizing the knowledge that Toshiba has amassed across numerous business domains, along with cutting-edge technologies like IoT, AI, and quantum related technologies, they have created digital solutions that provide our customers with new value and services
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ROHM Co., Ltd.
Load Switch ICs
Company Overview
ROHM Semiconductor was incorporated in 1940 and is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. ROHM manufactures and sells electronic components worldwide. ROHM operates through the segments ICs, discrete semiconductor devices, and modules. ROHM provides ICs comprising memory, amplifiers and linear, power management, clocks and timers, switches and multiplexers, logic, data converters, sensors and MEMS, display drivers, motor/actuator drivers, interfaces, communication and speech synthesis LSI, audio and video, and microcontrollers. ROHM also offers discrete semiconductor products include MOSFETs, bipolar transistors, and diodes; power devices, including power transistors and diodes, SiC power devices, IGBT, and IPM; passive devices, such as resistors, and conductive polymer and tantalum capacitors; and various modules among others.
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Load Switch IC Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Analog Devices, Inc. |
12.5%
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| 2 | TOSHIBA CORPORATION |
12.5%
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| 3 | Skyworks Solutions, Inc. |
10.7%
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| 4 | GLF Integrated Power, Inc. |
7.1%
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| 5 | ROHM Co., Ltd. |
7.1%
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| 6 | Semtech |
7.1%
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| 7 | Texas Instruments |
7.1%
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| 8 | Trex Semiconductor |
7.1%
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| 9 | NXP Semiconductors |
5.4%
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| 10 | Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., |
5.4%
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Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the load switch ic page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- TOSHIBA CORPORATION: 106,648
- ROHM Co., Ltd.: 23,754
- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage: 23,100
Newly Established Company
- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage: 2017 (7 years ago)
- GLF Integrated Power, Inc.: 2013 (11 years ago)
- Renesas Electronics Corporation.: 2002 (22 years ago)
Company with a History
- NXP Semiconductors: 1891 (133 years ago)
- Texas Instruments: 1930 (94 years ago)
- ROHM Co., Ltd.: 1958 (66 years ago)
Load Switch IC Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
- Analog Devices, Inc.
- GLF Integrated Power, Inc.
- Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.,
Global Distribution of Load Switch IC Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
Japan
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6 | 54.5% |
United States of America
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4 | 36.4% |
Netherlands
|
1 | 9.1% |
