Current limiter
US6108183A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2201/80
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A current limiter is provided that includes a power switch for receiving input power from a power source and passing at least a portion of the input power to an output, a current sense mechanism coupled to the power switch for sensing current flowing through the current limiter and for providing a current flow signal related to the current flow through the current limiter, and a control mechanism coupled to the power switch that causes the power switch to reduce the current flow when the current flow signal indicates that the current flow exceeds a first current flow level. In one embodiment the current limiter may include a voltage sense mechanism that senses the voltage drop across the input to output of the device and use a reference voltage and a control loop to maintain the voltage drop relatively constant at all load currents. In another embodiment the current limiter may include a timing mechanism that provides a timing signal that is used by the control mechanism to cause the power switch to block power transmission to the load. In yet another embodiment the current limiter may include a temperature sensing mechanism that provides a first temperature signal that is used by …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.