Current regulator
AssigneeSiemens VDO Automotive Corporation
InventorsShawn Lance Tracy, Rafael Cobas Asensio, Lou Vierling
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A current regulator that controls a load current by selectively connecting the load to a high voltage source and a low voltage source. The switching is triggered by a command pulse. By switching between the high voltage source and the low voltage source, the regulator controls load current without generating emissions. The low voltage source also maintains the load current at a selected level without requiring switching.
Claims12
A current regulator that controls a load current through a load, comprising:
- a first voltage source;
- a second voltage source;
- a switch that selectively connects the first voltage source and the second voltage source to the load;
- and
- a drive circuit that receives a command signal and controls the switch based on the command signal, wherein the switch selects the first voltage source to change the load current and selects the second voltage source to maintain the load current.
A current regulator that controls a load current through a load, comprising:
- a high voltage source;
- a low voltage source;
- a comparator that compares the load current with a reference current and generates a comparator output;
- a switch that selectively connects the high voltage source and the low voltage source to the load;
- and
- a drive circuit that receives a command pulse and controls the switch based on the command signal and the comparator output, wherein the switch selects the high voltage source to change the load current and selects the low voltage source to maintain the load current.
The current regulator of claim 9, further comprising at least one switch that opens and closes in response to the level shifter to form said at least one current discharge path for the load.
A method for regulating a load current in a load, comprising:
- receiving a command signal having a rising edge and a falling edge;
- comparing the load current with a reference current in a comparator;
- connecting the load to a high voltage source during at least one of the rising edge and the falling edge of the command signal;
- and
- connecting the load to a low voltage source if the comparator indicates that the load current is equal to the reference current.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.