Power driver having short circuit protection

A power driver with short circuit protection comprising:

• (a) control signal input means for receiving a control signal;
• (b) power switch means responsive to said control signal for completing a current path through a load, said power switch means including a transistor having a base and an emitter;
• (c) comparator means having a first input connected to receive a predetermined reference signal and a second input connected to said base of said transistor for receiving base-emitter voltage information, for providing a fault detected signal when said base-emitter voltage information exceeds said reference signal;
• and
• (d) disable means responsive to said fault detected signal for disabling said transistor, said disable means including:
• (i) a flip-flop having a clock input for receiving said control signal, a reset port connected to receive said fault detected signal from said comparator means, a Q output port, and a not Q output port;
• (ii) an AND gate having a first input connected to receive said control signal, a second input connected to said Q output port of said flip-flop, and an output for providing an enabling signal to said transistor;
• and
• (iii) an FET having a gate connected to said not Q output of said flip-flop and power terminals connected between said base of said transistor and ground.