Apparatus and method for controlling a power supply
AssigneeSemiconductor Components Industries, LLC
InventorChristophe Basso
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In a dual power supply, a main power supply is shut down by providing a signal from an auxiliary power supply. To generate the shutdown signal, a load is temporarily applied to the output of the auxiliary power supply for a predetermined time. The application of the load is detected using a hysteretic comparator in the auxiliary power supply that remains in a high state for a time period that exceeds a reference time period, which is established by a timer circuit. In response to exceeding the reference time period, the shutdown signal is sent to the main power supply.
Claims34
A control circuit for controlling a first power supply, comprising:
- an input for coupling to a temporary load;
- and
- an output for coupling to a second power supply wherein, in response to the coupling to the temporary load for a predetermined time period, a signal is provided to control the second power supply.
A control circuit for controlling a first power supply, comprising:
- a first control input for receiving a feedback signal;
- a first comparator for generating, responsive to the feedback signal, a compare signal having a first state and a second state;
- and
- a first control output for providing a control signal to a second power supply, wherein the control signal changes state in response to the compare signal being in the first state for a time period exceeding a reference time period.
A dual power supply, comprising:
- a first power supply comprising a control circuit and a power circuit, wherein the power circuit has an output for coupling to a temporary load;
- a second power supply coupled to an output of the control circuit;
- and
- wherein the control circuit generates a signal to control the second power supply in response to the coupling to the temporary load for a time period that exceeds a reference time period.
A method of operating a dual power supply, wherein the dual power supply comprises a first power supply and a second power supply, comprising:
- coupling a temporary load to an output of the first power supply;
- and
- responsive to the coupling of the temporary load for a predetermined time, providing a signal to the second power supply for switching the second power supply on and off.
A method of operating a first power supply, comprising applying a temporary load to the first power supply to provide a signal for controlling a second power supply.
A control circuit for providing a control signal, the control circuit comprising a timer circuit having an input for receiving an input signal corresponding to a temporary load state and having an output for providing, in response to receiving the input signal for a predetermined time period, the control signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.