The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 26, 1996
Filed:
Mar. 14, 1996
Giorgio Rossi, Nerviano, IT;
Fabio Marchioo, Sedriano, IT;
Liana Luoni, Como, IT;
Franco Cocetta, Cornaredo, IT;
SGS-Thomson Microelectronics, S.r.l., Agrate Brianza, IT;
Abstract
The invention concerns a circuit for limiting the maximum current to be supplied to a load through a power MOS, being an improvement of the limiting circuitry which uses an equalizing capacitor. The addition of circuitry with a one-way current flow between a terminal of the equalizing capacitor and the gate terminal of the power MOS is effective to lower the voltage across the capacitor and to speed up its charging process, thereby making the current limiting action expected from the circuit a timely one. The circuitry which limits current flow to one direction may include a second MOS of the same type as the power MOS. In this way, any deviations of the power MOS from its designed operation, e.g. due to its manufacturing process variation and thermal drift phenomena, can also be compensated.