Electronic fuse circuit, corresponding device and method

A method, comprising:

• hysteretically comparing a reference voltage to a feedback voltage derived from a sensed output voltage and generating, in response thereto, a first control signal if the feedback voltage exceeds the reference voltage by a first hysteresis value;
• hysteretically comparing a reference current to a feedback current derived from a sensed output current and generating, in response thereto, a second control signal if the feedback current exceeds the reference current by a second hysteresis value;
• driving an output power stage producing said output voltage and output current using a driver circuit;
• activating a switch through a control terminal receiving both the first control signal and the second control signal;
• and
• in response to activation of the switch, clamping a voltage across output terminals of the driver circuit.

A method for controlling an electronic fuse circuit, comprising:

• activating a switch circuit configured to discharge a gate capacitance at a gate terminal of a power stage;
• performing a first comparison of a sensed output current of the power stage to a first reference with a first hysteresis and generating a first control signal that is asserted if the first reference with the first hysteresis is exceeded;
• and
• performing a second comparison to compare a sensed output voltage of the power stage to a second reference with a second hysteresis and generating a second control signal that is asserted if the second reference with the second hysteresis is exceeded;
• and
• applying first and second control signals to a control terminal of said switch circuit to control activation thereof.

A method for controlling an electronic fuse circuit, comprising:

• activating a switch circuit configured to clamp a voltage at a gate terminal of a power stage;
• performing a first comparison of a sensed output current of the power stage to a first reference with a first hysteresis and generating a first control signal that is asserted if the first reference with the first hysteresis is exceeded;
• and
• performing a second comparison to compare a sensed output voltage of the power stage to a second reference with a second hysteresis and generating a second control signal that is asserted if the second reference with the second hysteresis is exceeded;
• and
• applying first and second control signals to a control terminal of said switch circuit to control activation thereof.