Overcurrent detection with multi-bit analog-to-digital converters
AssigneeAnalog Devices International Unlimited Company
InventorsBrian Jadus, Maitrey Shridhar Kamble, Jason J. Ziomek
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Abstract
The techniques described herein relate to overcurrent detection with multi-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). An example apparatus includes a multi-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert an analog signal into a multi-bit digital signal. The example apparatus further includes a threshold detector configured to generate an output signal indicative of an overcurrent condition after a detection of at least a first number of bits of the multi-bit digital signal satisfying a threshold.
Claims20
An apparatus for overcurrent detection, comprising:
- a multi-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert an analog signal into a multi-bit digital signal;
- and
- a threshold detector configured to generate an output signal indicative of an overcurrent condition in response to a detection of at least a first number of bits of the multi-bit digital signal satisfying a threshold.
A system for overcurrent detection, comprising:
- a first die comprising:
- a multi-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert an analog signal into a multi-bit digital signal;
- a threshold detector configured to generate an output signal in response to a detection of at least a first number of bits of the multi-bit digital signal satisfying a threshold;
- and
- a primary side of an isolator, the isolator having the primary side, a secondary side, and an isolation barrier formed between the primary side and the secondary side;
- a second die comprising:
- a rolling average counter configured to generate a signal indicative of an overcurrent condition after the output signal is generated;
- and
- the secondary side of the isolator;
- and
- an electrical connection coupling the primary side of the isolator of the first die to the secondary side of the isolator of the second die.
A method for overcurrent detection, comprising:
- converting a sensed current into a voltage;
- converting, using a multi-bit analog-to-digital converter, an amplification of the voltage into a multi-bit digital signal;
- and
- detecting an overcurrent condition in response to at least a first number of bits of the multi-bit digital signal satisfying a threshold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.