Patent ID: 6477069
Filing Date: 2002-11-05
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
A circuit for detecting an impermissibly high current in an output stage, comprising:a series circuit of a first semiconductor component and a second semiconductor component, the series circuit being coupled between first and second power supply terminals; a voltage divider coupled between the first and second power supply terminals, the voltage divider having a center tap; a comparator for comparing a voltage drop across one of the first and second semiconductor components with a predefined threshold value, the comparator having a first input and a second input, the first input being coupled to a connection point of the first and second semiconductor components, the second input being coupled to the center tap of the voltage divider; and a change-over switching element for changing a ratio of the voltage divider, the change-over switching element being controlled by a switching signal of one of the first and second semiconductor components.