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:
Dec. 09, 2008
Filed:
Feb. 02, 2006
Karl H. Jacobs, Pleasant Valley, CT (US);
Karl H. Jacobs, Pleasant Valley, CT (US);
Texas Instruments Incorporated, Dallas, TX (US);
Abstract
A system and method for responding to a current overload condition in a power switch provides a class D topology that applies a current sink or current source to the gate of the power switch. The current sink or source decreases or increases current flowing through the power switch to regulate power switch output current in the event of an overload. A timer for current regulation can be provided to shut off the power switch if the overload condition persists. A set of differently rated switches can be used separately or together to provide a range of current regulation response, from a wide regulation range with a fast response, to a narrow regulation range with a slow response. The system provides a rapid response to an overload condition and output current regulation without disabling the power switch to overcome short term overloads.