National Semiconductor Corporation

Timothy T Regan

Roger Lee Miller

A voltage regulator, a device driver, and a warning signal driver are provided on a single voltage regulator integrated circuit. The voltage regulator provides a regulated voltage for external logic such as a microcontroller. The device driver selectively turns on or turns off an external device such as a relay. The warning signal driver outputs a warning signal. The integrated circuit contains sensing circuits which sense if the output voltage is out of proper regulation. In the event of a malfunction, for example when the output voltage is outside a desired voltage range, the device driver shuts off the external device and the warning signal driver generates a warning signal. The integrated circuit may also receive signals from the external logic which cause the integrated circuit to shut off the device or to generate a warning signal.

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San Jose, CA, United States of America

Timothy T Regan