Circuit and system implementing a smart fuse for a power supply
US10511307B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 28, 2018 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 28, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K19/1732
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A circuit includes a voltage source, a transistor, a load current sensor, a hardware latch and a logic circuit. The transistor is connected between the voltage source and a load. The sensor emits a fault signal when the load current exceeds a predetermined value. The hardware latch sets a latch signal when it receives the fault signal and maintains the latch signal until it receives a rearm signal. The logic circuit receives the latch signal from the hardware latch and also receives a software command for controlling turning on and off of the circuit. When the latch signal is not set, the logic circuit converts the software command to a control voltage applied at a gate of the transistor, turning on the transistor to allow power delivery to the load. A system includes a microcontroller providing software commands and rearm signals to a plurality of circuits.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.