Variable power output regulator

A method for controlling a variable output power source using power control circuitry, said method comprising:

• comparing a signal representative of an output current level of said variable output power source with a threshold current level and providing a first output signal in response to said comparison via a first comparator;
• providing said threshold current level to said first comparator via threshold current input circuitry, said threshold current level comprising a linearly variable threshold current level having a slope that decreases with increasing voltage over a first range of output voltage values extending between a first fixed voltage and a second fixed voltage where said second fixed voltage is greater than said first fixed voltage level;
• and
• providing, via power limiting control circuitry, a control signal to said variable output DC power source in response to said first output signal from said first comparator.

Power control circuitry for controlling a variable output power source, said power control circuitry comprising:

• a first comparator configured to compare a signal representative of an output current level of said variable output power source with a threshold current level and provide a first output signal in response to said comparison;
• threshold current input circuitry configured to provide said threshold current level to said first comparator, said threshold current level comprising a linearly variable threshold current level having a slope that decreases with increasing voltage over a first range of output voltage values extending between a first fixed voltage and a second fixed voltage where said second fixed voltage is greater than said first fixed voltage level;
• power limiting control circuitry configured to provide a control signal to said variable output DC power source in response to said first output signal from said first comparator;
• a second comparator configured to compare a signal representative of an output voltage level of said variable output power source with a signal representative of a maximum voltage level, and to provide a voltage limit signal to said power limiting control circuitry in response to said comparison;
• and
• a current sensing circuit configured to sense said output current level of said variable output power source and to output said signal representative of said output current level to said first comparator.