For many industrial applications, engineers use a high-side switch to control the inductive load. The challenge lies in discharging the energy in the inductor when the switch opens and the current is no longer sourced to the load. If the energy isn’t discharged correctly, this could lead to a variety of negative effects, such as potential arcing of relay contacts, big negative voltage spikes that could damage sensitive ICs, and the generation of high-frequency noise or EMI that can hamper system performance.
Maxim has implemented a new architecture called safe demagnetization (SafeDemag) in its MAX14912, MAX14913, and MAX14914 octal high-speed switch products. Working with the fast demag circuitry, SafeDemag allows the MAX14912, MAX14913, and MAX14914 to safely turn off loads with unlimited inductance.
Watch this video to learn how these ICs can safely handle 24V DC loads of "unlimited inductance" using our patented SafeDemag feature.