Patent ID: 6700362
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: G05F

Abstract:
A current source that can be switched between a current-controlled mode and a voltage-controlled mode, comprising:first and second input connections and one output connection; a transistor having a load path terminal connected to said first input connection and a control terminal connected to said output connection; an operational amplifier having a first input terminal connected to said first input connection and a second input terminal connected to said second input connection; controllable switches connected such that said transistor is driven by the output signal of said operational amplifier in the voltage-controlled mode and is driven by a voltage at said load path terminal of said transistor in the current-controlled mode; a comparator generating an output signal for controlling said controllable switches; said comparator having an input terminal connected to said second input connection; and wherein a potential to be applied to said second input connection in the current-controlled mode clearly differs from a potential at said second input connection in the voltage-controlled mode and from a potential at said first input connection in the current-controlled mode.