Abstract: A current controller for a device is provided. The current controller includes power and ground inputs for connecting to a source of energization, and power and ground outputs for connecting to the device. A variable impedance is coupled in series between the power input and the power output and has an impedance control input. The impedance control input controls the variable impedance between a high impedance, OFF state and a low impedance, ON state. An impedance control circuit is coupled to the impedance control input, which biases the variable impedance in the high impedance, OFF state when at least one of the following conditions occur: the resistance between the power and ground outputs is less than a threshold resistance, and current drawn by the current controller through the power input exceeds a threshold current level.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a power supply which is coupled to an integrated circuit (IC) that is subject to latch-up is provided. The apparatus includes a comparator circuit that compares a voltage across the IC with a threshold and provides a comparator output. A restart circuit that receives the comparator output, and that receives a fault status signal from the power supply is also included. The restart circuit initiates a restart by shutting off the power supply if the fault status signal is indicative of a latch-up condition in the IC. The restart circuit turns on the power supply if the comparator output indicates that the voltage across the IC is below the threshold.

Abstract: An inrush current controller for a device has a connector for hot-plugging the device into a source of energization. An impedance has a current input coupled to a first contact of the connector and a current output coupled to the device. The impedance has an impedance control input. An impedance control circuit has a logic input coupling to a second contact of the connector. The impedance control circuit has an impedance control output connected to the impedance control input. The impedance control output forces the impedance OFF during a first time interval after hot-plugging. The logic input triggers a limited inrush at the current input after the first time interval.