Voltage detection circuit and internal voltage clamp circuit

Abstract

The voltage detection and control circuit includes a voltage detect circuit having an associated switch point greater than a first predetermined voltage, with the voltage detect circuit being responsive to an input voltage greater than the first predetermined voltage for generating an activation signal; and a clamp control circuit, responsive to the activation signal, for clamping an operating voltage to a second predetermined voltage. The second predetermined voltage may be substantially equal to the first predetermined voltage. A spike filter may be included for suppressing spikes in the activation signal. A clamp stage control circuit is provided for suppressing oscillations in the second predetermined voltage. At least one clamp stage, which may include a delay device, provides the operating voltage to a corresponding circuit component as well as reducing current peaks in the corresponding circuit component. The voltage detect circuit may include a current mirror, responsive to a first current generated from the input voltage, for generating a second current substantially equal to the first current for generating the activation signal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.