Load switches are used to enable/disable power to selected ICs or circuit subsections. Although they don’t get much attention, they are useful for both saving power as well as management of multiple power rails. This FAQ will discuss their function, basic design, advanced IC implementations, and additional benefits of IC load switches.
A vacuum provides the dielectric strength required for capacitor switching and an environmentally friendly insulating medium. ABB’s range of PS switches utilises ABB’s proven vacuum technology, with over 25 years of experience in developing and manufacturing vacuum interrupters.
Vacuum Load-breaking switch and Disconnect switches can be supplied with equipment to provide a limited load switching capability. Arcing horns, whips, and spring actuators are typical at lower voltages.
These switches are used to de-energize or energize a circuit that possesses some limited amount of magnetic or capacitive current, such as transformer exciting current or line charging currents.
An air switch can be modified to include a series interrupter (typically vacuum or SF6) for higher voltage and current interrupting levels.
These interrupters increase the load break capability of the disconnect switch and can be applied for switching load or fault currents of the associated equipment.
A vacuum provides the dielectric strength required for capacitor switching and an environmentally friendly insulating medium. ABB’s range of PS switches utilises ABB’s proven vacuum technology, with over 25 years of experience in developing and manufacturing vacuum interrupters.