Linfinity Microelectronics

Dan Agiman

A bi-mode circuit for driving an output load selectively couples the output load to a supply voltage source or to a low discharge voltage source such as ground using switches which are controlled by an input buffer in response to an input signal. A high input signal closes a first switch to provide a biasing current to first and second current amplifiers to turn on a first output transistor which couples the output load to the low reference voltage to discharge the output load. Conversely, a low input signal closes a second switch to provide the biasing current to a third current amplifier to turn on a second output transistor which couples the output load to the supply voltage source. When the input signal becomes high, rapid pulldown of a capacitive output load is achieved using a high internal pre-drive current provided by the first and second current amplifiers, in a first mode of operation. As the output voltage decreases, turnoff of the first output transistor is prevented by switching to a second mode when the output voltage drops below a threshold value as determined by a comparator. The comparator effectively closes a third switch and thereby a loop which bypasses the first current amplifier to prevent the drive current from escaping the first current amplifier, so that the second current amplifier continues to amplify the biasing current to maintain the first output transistor on.

Bi-mode circuit for driving an output load

A power supply controller includes a comparator for providing a regulated voltage when an input voltage exceeds a reference voltage, so that a reference voltage is provided to drive a load discharge circuit. When the input voltage is less than the reference voltage, such as during a startup or sleep mode of operation of the controller, the load discharge circuit is driven by an output pulldown circuit so as to maintain minimum functions within the integrated circuit of the controller including turnoff of an external MOSFET. The output pulldown circuit senses the resulting absence of the regulated voltage using a first transistor coupled to be biased into nonconduction when the regulated voltage is not provided. This biases a second transistor into conduction to maintain a transistor within the load discharge circuit conductive. In this manner, the output powers its own operation, including the pulldown thereof. The controller enables a relatively small startup current to be used, utilizes multiple outputs, and eliminates temperature dependence of the startup current.

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Rosh Haain, Israel

Dan Agiman