Over-current protection technique
US6621336B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F2200/331
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method for over-current protection of an amplifier circuit, which comprises driving an electronic load with the output of the amplifier circuit and sensing for a fault condition in the load, such as a short or over-current condition. The amplifier is switched off in response to the fault condition and can stay off for a specified time delay and the amplifier is then switched on. The fault condition is tested for again and, if cured, the amplifier can remain on until a new fault condition is detected. If the fault condition remains, testing and switching the amplifier on and off over very short time periods results in an effectively limited current in the load.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.