Load control apparatus and method having single temperature detector
US6630748B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2017/0806
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A load control apparatus, in the form of a hybrid IC, comprises a microcomputer, control IC, and a plurality of MOS transistors. The control IC comprises only one temperature detection circuit for the MOS transistors. The MOS transistors and the temperature detection circuit are closely provided in thermally coupled manner. A temperature detected by the temperature detection circuit is compared with a predetermined threshold temperature for the purpose of detecting abnormal heat generation. When abnormal heat generation is detected, a current of each MOS transistor detected by a current detection circuit is compared with a predetermined threshold current for the purpose of detecting the MOS transistors under abnormal condition. The MOS transistor which is under the abnormal condition is exclusively controlled to protect other components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.