Patent ID: 7158359
Filing Date: 2007-01-02
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
1. A circuit configuration, comprising: a terminal for a first potential; a first semiconductor switch with a control terminal and first and second load path terminals; a protection circuit having a second semiconductor switch with a control terminal and a load path connected between said control terminal of said first semiconductor switch and said terminal for the first potential, and having a drive circuit connected to said second semiconductor switch, said drive circuit being configured to compare a load path voltage across said first semiconductor switch with a first reference voltage or a load current through said first semiconductor switch with a reference current, and to switch on said second semiconductor switch, in each case for a preset and non-varying time period set in advance, in dependence on a comparison result; a reference voltage source connected in series with said second semiconductor switch, between said control terminal of said first semiconductor switch and said terminal for the first potential; and a further protection circuit for detecting the load current through said first semiconductor switch element and regulating said first semiconductor switch element in dependence on the load current.