Short circuit detection and limiting channel current in transistor before turn off in short circuit condition
US11799465B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 2022 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC —)General
Abstract
A method for driving a power transistor includes comparing a measurement signal that is representative of a load current to a comparator threshold that corresponds to an overcurrent threshold; generating a first fault signal when the measurement signal exceeds the comparator threshold for a first time interval; generating a second fault signal when the measurement signal exceeds the comparator threshold for a second time interval that is greater than the first time interval; regulating a control voltage provided to the control terminal of the transistor to turn off the transistor in response to the second fault signal; and in response to the first fault signal, adjusting the control voltage to an adjusted voltage level in order to limit the load current to a reduced current level that is preconfigured to be greater than the overcurrent threshold. The adjusted voltage level is sufficient to maintain the power transistor in an on-state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.