Temperature-compensated apparatus for monitoring current having controlled sensitivity to supply voltage

In a circuit for connection to a resistance shunt, an apparatus for monitoring current through the shunt, the improvement comprising:

• a comparator having two output states in relation to a threshold switching voltage, and having inputs for connection to the resistance shunt wherein the comparator is responsive to a voltage developed across the shunt, so that a voltage across the shunt larger than the threshold switching voltage causes the comparator output to assume a first one of the two output states and a voltage across the shunt smaller than the threshold switching voltage causes the comparator output to assume the second one of the two output states;
• and
• a sensitivity control means, connected to the comparator, for controlling a sensitivity of the threshold switching voltage to changes in a supply voltage of the circuit.

In a circuit for connection to a resistance shunt, an apparatus for monitoring current through the shunt, comprising:

• a comparator having two output states in relation to a threshold switching voltage, and having inputs for connection to the resistance shunt wherein the comparator is responsive to a voltage developed across the shunt, so that a voltage across the shunt larger than the threshold switching voltage causes the comparator output to assume a first one of the two output states and a voltage across the shunt smaller than the threshold switching voltage causes the comparator output to assume the second one of the two output states;
• and
• a biasing circuit, connected to and controlling the comparator, for temperature compensating the threshold switching voltage such that the threshold switching voltage changes proportionally to absolute temperature, and for controlling a sensitivity of the threshold switching voltage to changes in a supply voltage of the circuit.