Apparatus and methods for transient overstress protection with active feedback
US9634482B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 2014 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10D89/819
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for providing transient overstress protection with active feedback are disclosed. In certain configurations, a protection circuit includes a transient detection circuit, a bias circuit, a clamp circuit, and a sense feedback circuit that generates a positive feedback current when the clamp circuit is clamping. The transient detection circuit can detect a presence of a transient overstress event, and can generate a detection current in response to detection of the transient overstress event. The detection current and the positive feedback current can be combined to generate a combined current, and the bias circuit can turn on the clamp circuit in response to the combined current. While the transient overstress event is present and the clamp circuit is clamping, the sense feedback circuit can generate the positive feedback current to maintain the clamp circuit turned on for the event's duration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.