Systems and methods for discharging inductors with temperature protection
AssigneeMaxim Integrated Products, Inc.
InventorsSiro Buzzetti, Marco Demicheli, Danilo Ranieri
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An integrated circuit for demagnetizing an inductive load includes a first switch to control current supplied by a voltage supply to the inductive load. A Zener diode includes an anode connected to a control terminal of the first switch and a cathode connected to the voltage supply. A second switch includes a control terminal and first and second terminals. A temperature sensing circuit is configured to sense a temperature of the first switch and to generate a sensed temperature. A comparing circuit includes inputs that receive a reference temperature and the sensed temperature and an output connected to the control terminal of the second switch.
Claims17
An integrated circuit for demagnetizing an inductive load, comprising:
- a first switch to control current supplied by a voltage supply to the inductive load;
- a Zener diode comprising an anode connected to a control terminal of the first switch and a cathode connected to the voltage supply;
- a second switch comprising a control terminal and first and second terminals, wherein the first terminal is connected to the inductive load;
- a temperature sensing circuit configured to sense a temperature of the first switch and to generate a sensed temperature;
- and
- a comparing circuit including inputs that receive a reference temperature and the sensed temperature and an output connected to the control terminal of the second switch.
A method for demagnetizing an inductive load, comprising:
- controlling current supplied by a voltage supply to an inductive load using a first switch;
- connecting a Zener diode to a control terminal of the first switch and to the voltage supply;
- sensing a temperature of the first switch and generating a sensed temperature;
- and
- selectively connecting a second switch to the inductive load when the first switch is open to slow a demagnetization rate of the inductive load based on the sensed temperature and a reference temperature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.