Power switches are found between the sources and load in many applications. On this slide, a battery is depicted and can have the role as a load during charging or a source during discharge. With battery powered systems, appropriate power switches placed in the charge and discharge paths aid with the control of adverse currents or voltages. This will offer a high level of protection and allow a system to meet the rigors imposed by several of the industry standards. After a safe charge the switch can create an effective disconnect limiting interaction between a power source and the battery. During the discharge phase the goal for a power switch is to provide the best efficiency possible. Under heavy loads a low R_DS(ON) implies that more power will be properly used and less heat generated. Low quiescent current is always beneficial but under very light loads as this may become a significant factor in determining battery life and is even more important if multiple switches are to be used. Once the switch is turned off very low leakage current and the standby current of switch are now important.