High-performance current-limited pyrotechnic initiator drive circuits
US11309880B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2017 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02H3/105
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments described herein provides a low-complexity solution and current protection for a current driver that provide current pulses to pyrotechnic initiators. The current drivers include current limiters that prevent high current transients during a current pulse. Further, a duration of the current pulse is controlled based on a thermal limit of the current driver to prevent thermal damage to the current driver. One embodiment comprises an apparatus that includes a control circuit and a current driver. The current driver is electrically couplable to a pyrotechnic initiator. The current driver includes a power switch circuit electrically coupled to a supply rail that supplies a current to a high side of the pyrotechnic initiator in response to receiving a drive signal from the control circuit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.