Patent ID: 6215633
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
An active current limiter for controlling current flow between a power source and a load, comprising:a power switch coupled between the power source and the load, the power switch including a control terminal coupled to a bias signal that turns on the power switch and at least two fault signals that turn off the power switch;a current sensor coupled between the power source and the load for sensing the current level flowing through the power switch, wherein the bias signal is generated by a start-up circuit including a current source and a zener diode;a first fault detection circuit coupled to the current sensor for generating a first fault signal coupled to the control terminal when a surge current fault condition is sensed between the active current limiter and the load; anda second fault detection circuit coupled to the current sensor for generating a second fault signal coupled to the control terminal when a DC load current fault condition is sensed between the active current limiter and the load.