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:
Jan. 05, 2010
Filed:
Feb. 17, 2006
Gregory J. Smith, Tucson, AZ (US);
Paul Ranucci, Tucson, AZ (US);
Glenn C. Dunlap, Iii, Tucson, AZ (US);
David Megaw, Tucson, AZ (US);
Gregory J. Smith, Tucson, AZ (US);
Paul Ranucci, Tucson, AZ (US);
Glenn C. Dunlap, III, Tucson, AZ (US);
David Megaw, Tucson, AZ (US);
National Semiconductor Corporation, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Abstract
A system and method is disclosed for providing communication of an over-current protection signal and current mode control signals between a controller chip and a power chip in an integrated circuit device that comprises a plurality of integrated circuit chips. The controller chip sends pulse width modulation signals and a reference current signal to the power chip. Current flow status detection circuitry in the power chip detects a current flow status in the power chip and provides a current flow status signal to the controller chip. The current flow status signal may comprise an over-current protection signal or current mode control signals. One advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises a switch mode power supply integrated circuit.