Switching voltage regulator failure detection circuit and method
US6473280B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02M3/1584
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A failure detection scheme for switching voltage regulators senses a parameter which normally transitions above and below a predetermined threshold during each clock cycle. A decision circuit tracks the sensed parameter, and toggles an output when the sensed parameter transitions normally. A counter counts clock cycles, and toggles its output when a predetermined number is reached. The counter also has a reset input which receives the output of the decision circuit, and is reset to an initial value when the decision circuit output toggles. If the sensed parameter fails to transition normally, the reset input is not toggled and the count value increments with each clock cycle. If the failure persists for the predetermined number of clock cycles, the counter output toggles to indicate a failure, enabling the failed regulator to be repaired or replaced before additional failures occur.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.