Circuit and method for extending the safe operating area of a BJT
US5357089A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 1993 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2017/0806
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A circuit and method for protecting a transistor during operation transistor's BV.sub.CEO by limiting the reverse base current. The reverse base current is used to adjust the applied base-emitter voltage. Limiting the reverse base current keeps the collector and emitter currents within safe limits and thus extends the safe operating area of the transistor. The invention finds application as an overvoltage sensor and transistor protector circuit and is particularly applicable to implementation in an integrated circuit. The circuit may be combined with circuits for the protection of a transistor against excessive current and temperature in a high voltage linear regulator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.