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:
Oct. 07, 2003
Filed:
Jan. 28, 2002
Taketoshi Sato, Kariya, JP;
Masao Yamada, Kariya, JP;
Denso Corporation, Kariya, JP;
Abstract
A load control apparatus, in the form of a hybrid IC, comprises a microcomputer, control IC, and a plurality of MOS transistors. The control IC comprises only one temperature detection circuit for the MOS transistors. The MOS transistors and the temperature detection circuit are closely provided in thermally coupled manner. A temperature detected by the temperature detection circuit is compared with a predetermined threshold temperature for the purpose of detecting abnormal heat generation. When abnormal heat generation is detected, a current of each MOS transistor detected by a current detection circuit is compared with a predetermined threshold current for the purpose of detecting the MOS transistors under abnormal condition. The MOS transistor which is under the abnormal condition is exclusively controlled to protect other components.