Patent ID: 6587001
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: H03F

Abstract:
A driver comprising:an electronic circuit device having a control terminal, a load terminal, and a power terminal for connection to a source of electric power, wherein the circuit device is operative to apply a signal to a load connected to the load terminal in response to application of the signal to the control terminal, the load terminal being either an emitter terminal or a source terminal of the circuit device, wherein the load is to be connected between the load terminal and a return terminal of the power supply; a bias current source connected between the load terminal and the return terminal; a current bypass in parallel with the bias current source; and a voltage sensor connected between the control terminal and the load terminal for sensing a voltage drop developed between the control terminal and the load terminal, the voltage sensor being operative to activate the current bypass to conduct current in parallel with current flow of the bias current source upon an exceeding of a threshold by the voltage drop.