Patent ID: 7256615
Filing Date: 2007-08-14
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
1. A high-side driver circuit for driving a load, the circuit including: a low-side driver IC having a drive output and a feedback input; a first transistor coupled to the drive output; and a second transistor coupled between a power source and the load; wherein the second transistor is configured to enter an “OFF” state when the first transistor is driven into an “OFF” state by the drive output, and to enter an “ON” state when the first transistor is driven into an “ON” state by the drive output, and a third transistor coupled between the load and the feedback input such that the third transistor creates a first feedback voltage at the feedback input that is greater than a fault threshold voltage of the low-side driver IC when the second transistor is in the “OFF” state, and a second feedback voltage at the feedback input that is less than the fault threshold voltage when the second transistor is in the “ON” state.