Output current driver with an adaptive current source
US5530339A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05F3/22
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A current driver utilizes a variable current source and a pair of comparison stages to provide a pair of output transistors with a low quiescent current and the ability to quickly satisfy the current demands of an inductive load. When the voltage input to the current driver is approximately equal to the voltage across the load, the variable current source is set at a minimum value, thereby providing the output transistors with the low quiescent current. When the input voltage varies from the voltage across the load, the current flowing through the output transistors begins to change so that one of the output transistors has a greater current flow, depending on whether the driver is sourcing current to or sinking current from the load. One of the two comparison stages, depending on whether current is being sourced to or sunk from the load, senses the change in the current flowing through the output transistors, and varies the variable current source so that the output transistor which is providing current to or sinking current from the load can satisfy the current demands of the load, and so that the remaining output transistor does not turn off. By preventing the transistor which i…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.