Patent ID: 8699189
Filing Date: 2014-04-15
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
1. A high precision clipping regulator circuit, comprising: a first protection diode having a first anode and a first cathode, the first protection diode configured to conduct when a voltage potential between the first anode and first cathode exceeds a first protection voltage magnitude, the first protection diode operable to exhibit variations in the first protection voltage magnitude; a second protection diode having a second anode and a second cathode, the second anode connected to the first cathode to define a protection node, the second protection diode configured to conduct when the voltage potential between the second anode and the second cathode exceeds a second protection voltage magnitude, the second protection diode operable to exhibit variations in the second protection voltage magnitude; a first offset clamp voltage regulator circuit coupled to the first anode and configured to supply a first variable offset clamp voltage thereto, the first offset clamp voltage regulator circuit configured to determine when the first protection voltage varies and, in response thereto, to vary the first variable offset clamp voltage so that a difference in voltage between the first anode and the protection node, when the first protection diode conducts, remains substantially constant; and a second offset clamp voltage regulator circuit coupled to the second cathode and configured to supply a second variable offset clamp voltage thereto, the second offset clamp voltage regulator circuit configured to determine when the second protection voltage varies and, in response thereto, to vary the second variable offset clamp voltage so that a difference in voltage between the second cathode and the protection node, when the second protection diode conducts, remains substantially constant.