Short circuit current protection in an amplifier
US8823457B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F1/523
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods for protecting circuits from short-circuit events are described. The system may include, for example, first circuitry that receives an output signal from a power amplifier to be protected from a short-circuit event. The first circuitry mirrors an output stage of the power amplifier and provides a mirrored current that mirrors an output stage current of the power amplifier. Second circuitry is operatively coupled to the first circuitry and to the power amplifier. The second circuitry includes, for example, a comparator circuit that compares the mirrored current to a reference current. A first transistor of the comparator circuit is in a mirror configuration with respect to a second transistor of the power amplifier. The second transistor sinks or sources current into the power amplifier to protect the power amplifier from the short-circuit event.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.