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:
Jul. 15, 1997
Filed:
Feb. 02, 1994
Roger L Miller, San Jose, CA (US);
Timothy T Regan, San Jose, CA (US);
National Semiconductor Corporation, , DE (US);
Abstract
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.