Current limitation for voltage regulator
AssigneeNXP B.V.
InventorChristian Vincent Sorace
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This specification discloses methods and devices for limiting output current of a voltage regulator, in order to protect the voltage regulator against component overstress in case of output load current overloading. In some embodiments, a current limitation circuit acting on a reference input voltage of a voltage regulator can limit the maximum output load current of the voltage regulator. Once the current limitation circuit detects an over current load, the reference voltage is adjusted or decreased to limit the maximum output load current. Additionally, these methods and devices can be coupled easily with a slew rate control circuit to also limit the inrush current.
Claims15
A device comprising:
- a voltage regulator, the voltage regulator configured to output a regulated output voltage;
- a reference voltage module, the reference voltage module configured to output a reference voltage to the voltage regulator;
- a current sensor and comparator, the current sensor and comparator configured to sense an output current of the voltage regulator;
- a controller for current limitation,
- wherein the controller is configured to limit the output current of the voltage regulator in response to an output of the current sensor and comparator by adjusting the reference voltage from the reference voltage module.
A method for limiting output current of a voltage regulator, the method comprising:
- a reference voltage module inputting a reference voltage to a voltage regulator;
- the voltage regulator outputting a regulated output voltage and an output current, wherein the output voltage is based on the input reference voltage;
- a current sensor and comparator sensing the output current of the voltage regulator;
- a controller limiting the output current of the voltage regulator,
- wherein the controller limits the output current of the voltage regulator in response to an output of the current sensor and comparator by adjusting the reference voltage from the reference voltage module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.