Semiconductor device with overcurrent protection
AssigneeInfineon Technologies AG
InventorsAlberto Zanardi, Erich Scheikl, Robert Illing, Herbert Hopfgartner
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Abstract
A semiconductor device with an over-current detection feature is disclosed. According to an example of the invention the device includes: a semiconductor chip including a load current path that conducts a load current in response to an input signal activating the load current flow. A current sensor arrangement provides a measurement signal representing the load current. An evaluation circuit is configured to compare the measurement signal with a first threshold and to signal an over-current when the measurement signal exceeds the first threshold after a delay time period starting from the activation of the load current flow has elapsed.
Claims12
A semiconductor device comprising:
- a semiconductor chip including a load current path that conducts a load current in response to an input signal activating a load current flow;
- a current sensor arrangement that provides a measurement signal representing the load current;
- an evaluation circuit that is configured to compare the measurement signal with a first threshold and to signal an over-current when the measurement signal exceeds the first threshold after a delay time period that starts from the activation of the load current flow;
- and
- a control circuit configured to
- activate and deactivate the load current flow in accordance with the input signal,
- limit the load current to a maximum current value, and
- blank the input signal in response to an over-current signal generated by the evaluation circuit so as to deactivate the load current flow.
A method for operating a semiconductor device that comprises a semiconductor chip including a load current path for conducting a load current, the method comprising:
- activating a load current flow in the load current path in response to an input signal;
- measuring the load current so as to provide a measurement signal representing the load current;
- comparing the measurement signal with a first threshold;
- signalling an over-current when the measurement signal exceeds the first threshold after a delay time period that starts from the activation of the load current flow;
- limiting the load current to a maximum current value, wherein the first threshold is lower than the maximum current value;
- and
- blanking the input signal in response to an over-current signal thus deactivating the load current flow.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.