Input protection circuit implementing a voltage limiter
US6529355B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R1/36
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A circuit that protects a current shunt or any analog measuring circuit without the implementation of fuses. In a particular embodiment, a circuit comprises a current shunt and a plurality of transistors that may be configured to function as a fuse. One of the transistors may be deactivated once the input voltage exceeds a negative threshold voltage. The other transistor may be deactivated once the input voltage exceeds a positive threshold voltage. By deactivating the transistors once the input voltage exceeds a negative or a positive threshold voltage, the transistors are configured to function as a fuse and provide input protection for a current shunt or for any analog measuring circuit. In another particular embodiment, a circuit provides protection for a first and second current shunt where the second current shunt is less in resistance than the first current shunt. The circuit further comprises a plurality of transistors that may be configured to function as a fuse. The circuit further comprises a current limiter to protect the second current shunt at a second range and a voltage limiter to protect the current limiter at a first range, where the second range is smaller than t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.