Patent ID: 9190830
Filing Date: 2015-11-17
Classification: H02H,H05B,Y02B

Abstract:
1. A current limiting circuit for a direct current (DC) driver circuit, wherein the DC driver circuit includes a positive lead and a ground lead and is operable to provide power to a load connected to first and second load terminals, the current limiting circuit comprising: a positive input terminal configured to connect to the positive lead of the DC driver circuit; a ground input terminal configured to connect to a ground lead of the DC driver circuit; a positive output terminal configured to connect to the first load terminal; a ground output terminal configured to connect to the second load terminal; an output switch connected between the positive input terminal and the positive output terminal, the output switch comprising a control terminal and operable to provide a low resistance current path from the positive input terminal to the positive output terminal when closed and to substantially prevent current flow from the positive input terminal to the positive output terminal when open; a control circuit connected to the control terminal of the output switch, wherein the control circuit is effective to sense an output voltage between the positive output terminal and the ground output terminal; close the output switch via the control terminal of the output switch when the output voltage exceeds a predetermined voltage limit; and open the output switch via the control terminal of the output switch when the output voltage is less than or equal to the predetermined voltage limit.