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:
Feb. 13, 2001
Filed:
Jan. 13, 2000
Larry Tichauer, La Palma, CA (US);
Rodger Erickson, Tarzana, CA (US);
Timothy Freitas, Culver City, CA (US);
Xianjun Mao, Monterey Park, CA (US);
Ophir RF, Inc., Los Angeles, CA (US);
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for the soft start of linear regulators for controlling inrush current. In linear regulators having a pass transistor controlled by a regulator control circuit, the regulator control circuit is disabled until the regulator output reaches a predetermined threshold level. On startup, an additional transistor is coupled with a resistor and capacitor to the control terminal of the pass transistor in such a way as to provide for the slow turn-on of the pass transistor. During this time, the control circuit for the pass transistor is held inoperative. After the regulator output reaches a predetermined threshold, the pass transistor control circuit becomes operative and the slow start circuitry becomes inoperative.