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:
Aug. 04, 1998
Filed:
Nov. 17, 1995
Paolo Colletti, Messina, IT;
Gregorio Bontempo, Barcellona, IT;
Francesco Pulvirenti, Catania, IT;
Roberto Gariboldi, Milan, IT;
Co.Ri.M.Me.-Consorzio per la Ricerca sulla Microeletrronica nel, , US;
SGS-Thomson Microelectronics S.r.l., Agrate Brianza, IT;
Abstract
A protection circuit for at least one power transistor which has at least one control terminal and two main conduction terminals defining a main conduction path includes a first detection means designed to generate a first electrical signal approximately proportional to current flowing in the main conduction path. Second detection means are designed to generate a second electrical signal approximately proportional to voltage across the main conduction path. Multiplying means receive at input the first and second signals and are designed to generate an electrical product signal substantially corresponding to the product of at least the latter. A generator generates an electrical reference signal, and operational amplifier means receive at input the product signal and the reference signal and are designed to generate an electrical difference signal substantially corresponding to their difference. Control means are designed to drive the control terminal on the basis of the difference signal so that the product signal is not greater than the reference signal.