Driver circuit with discharge control, corresponding electronic system and vehicle

Abstract

A driver circuit includes high- and low-side switches coupled to first and second output pins, respectively, that are couplable to a power switch control terminal. High- and low-side drive circuits supplied by programmable and fixed voltages, respectively, drive the high- and low-side switches, respectively. A voltage generator receives a programming signal and produces the programmable voltage. Control circuitry coupled to the high- and low-side drive circuits receives an input command signal indicating initiation of a discharge action, in response to which the control circuitry asserts a drive signal to activate the high-side drive circuit, turning on the high-side switch and clamping the first output pin at the programmable voltage. In response to expiration of a time interval, the control circuitry de-asserts the drive signal to activate the low-side drive circuit, turning on the low-side switch and tying the second output pin to the second supply voltage node.