Control circuit between a port of a microprocessor and an actuator and method of maintaining the momentary state of an actuator during a dip in the supply voltage
US6531837B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J2310/46
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A control circuit between a control port of a microprocessor and an actuator has a control stage whose terminal connection is connected to an actuator terminal and whose control connection is connected to the control port of the microprocessor. In normal operation, the control port is switched as an input and, depending on the terminal voltage, the control stage outputs a control signal which is amplified in a driver stage. By switching the control port as an output and applying a low level to the control connection, the control stage can be inhibited in special cases, such as when the supply voltage dips below a given threshold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.