Adjustable current limiting/sensing circuitry and method
US6476667B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02H3/006
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A circuit and method are provided for accurate and adjustable current limiting/sensing in a power IC (100). In particular, a current limiting/sensing circuit (110) and method of use are provided that substitutes a transistor (MD2) in place of a resistor. Consequently, all of the components (MD1, MD2, MDout) in the IC (100) may be identical transistors, which may be fabricated by one process and integrated in one power structure. Therefore, process variations from device to device and errors due to thermal gradients between components may be minimized, thereby reducing the complexity and fabrication costs of the power ICs. Additionally, a user may readily adjust the trip/sensing point of the current limiting circuit (110) without having to physically alter individual components in the IC (100).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.