System and method for hotswap operations for programmable logic devices

Techniques are provided to control hotswap operations with programmable logic devices (PLDs). In particular, a MOSFET is provided to limit an in-rush current drawn from a power supply by capacitive components of an electronic assembly when it is plugged into the live, power supply. A controller with an algorithm is provided to control the MOSFET based on the in-rush current detected at the MOSFET. As such, a feedback control loop is established to selectively bias the gate of the MOSFET based on the detected in-rush current. The algorithm may limit the in-rush current based on a Safe Operating Area (SOA) of the MOSFET. The hotswap process may include multiple phases each with a voltage and/or current limit modeling the voltages and currents of the SOA. The algorithm may transition through the phases with the respective current and/or voltage limits during the hotswap process.