Circuit and method for managing an inrush current

A method for managing an inrush current of a load, wherein the load is coupled between a voltage source and a terminal for a negative supply potential, the method comprising:

• providing a switching signal to a switch that is coupled between the voltage source and the load and wherein the switch is configured to connect the load to or disconnect the load from the voltage source;
• determining an inrush current through the switch, via a sense unit;
• and
• adjusting the switching signal depending on the determined inrush current,
• wherein the sense unit includes a sense resistor, a sense capacitor, and a first operational amplifier,
• wherein the sense resistor and the sense capacitor are coupled in series between the switch and the terminal for the negative supply potential, in parallel to the land,
• wherein the first operational amplifier is configured to determine a current through the sense resistor and to provide a sense voltage;
• and
• wherein a first input of the first operational amplifier shares a common node directly with the sense resistor and the terminal for the negative supply potential.

A circuit for managing an inrush current of a load, the circuit comprising:

• a switch coupled between a voltage source and the load, and the switch being configured to connect the load to or disconnect the load from the voltage source;
• at least one load capacitor coupled in parallel to the load between the switch and a negative supply potential;
• and
• a control unit including a sense unit and a switching unit, wherein:
• the sense unit is configured to determine the inrush current when the switch is closed to connect the load to the voltage source,
• the switching unit is configured to control the switching of the switch based on the inrush current,
• wherein the sense unit includes a sense resistor, a sense capacitor, and a first operational amplifier,
• wherein the sense resistor and the sense capacitor are coupled in series between the switch and a terminal for the negative supply potential, in parallel to the load,
• wherein the first operational amplifier is configured to determine a current through the sense resistor and to provide a sense voltage;
• and
• wherein a first input of the first operational amplifier shares a common node directly with the sense resistor and the terminal for the negative supply potential.