Single Supply Sequencer Sequences Negative Voltages

Highly integrated system chips that combine multiple digital and analog functions into a single die often require multiple power supplies. Improper supply sequencing can lead to device latchup, incorrect device initiation, or degradation of long-term reliability. The MAX6819/MAX6820 provide a simple, reliable, and compact way to sequence two or more power supplies.

Unfortunately, the MAX6819/MAX6820 are single supply devices, and are unable to sequence voltages below device ground. The MAX6819/MAX6820 use an external N-channel MOSFET to switch the secondary supply to and from the circuit. The MOSFET gate drive, GATE, swings between V_CC2 + 5.5V and GND, thus, with a negative supply voltage, the MOSFET cannot be turned off. Figure 1 shows an example of the MAX6819/MAX6820 employed in a ±5V supply circuit.

When the main supply (V_CC1) is below the switchover threshold, GATE is driven to GND. The 7.5V zener diode (D1) does not conduct, allowing resistor R1 to pull the gate of the MOSFET to the negative supply. This results in V_GS = 0, disabling the MOSFET. Once V_CC1 exceeds the switchover threshold, GATE drives high. With V_CC1 = V_CC2 = +5V, V_GATE(HIGH) = +10.5V. With the 7.5V drop across D1, V_G = +3V, providing a V_GS = +8V. A 7.5V zener diode was chosen because it provided 8V of gate drive, sufficiently minimizing the IR drop across the MOSFET. R_ON can be further reduced by selecting a lower voltage zener, however, be aware of the GATE current. Size R1 such that the resulting V_GS does not lead to a GATE current draw greater than 5µA. A larger load will lower V_GATE(HIGH), degrading the device's ability to fully enhance the MOSFET.