When customers use switches to turn loads on and OFF, they often have to add external circuitry to achieve desired functions. In the example shown here, the MOSFET is used as the main switch or load switch, but requires an R&C to implement a slew rate controlled turn on. In order to work with low voltage GPIOs a level shifting MOSFET is used and if output discharge is needed when the load is turned off, then another switch needs to be included. This results in a large amount of real estate being consumed by a relatively simple function. A smart load switch combines all this functionality in a single IC, simplifying the job of the system designer.