Transistors drivers with fast shutdown-capability, and associated systems and methods
US11316510B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 2019 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 13, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2217/0027
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for quickly shutting down a transistor in a switching circuit includes (a) generating a feedback signal associated with current flowing through the transistor, (b) transmitting the feedback signal through an isolating device to a controller, (c) detecting an over-current condition in the switching circuit without transmitting information through the isolating device, and (d) shutting-down the transistor in response to detecting the over-current condition, without transmitting information through the isolating device. A transistor driver includes logic circuitry, an isolating device, driver circuitry configured to drive a transistor according to a control signal received from the logic circuitry via the isolating device, and over-current circuitry configured to (a) detect an over-current condition without receiving information via the isolating device and (b) cause the driver circuitry to shut-down the transistor in response to detection of the over-current condition, without receiving information via the isolating device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.