Patent ID: 8582261
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for providing transient protection, the apparatus comprising: a detector configured to detect a presence of a transient signal at a first node, wherein the detector is configured to activate a detected state of a detection signal upon detection of the transient signal; a timer configured to activate a control signal for a first duration of time based at least partly on a state of the detection signal; a current source configured to modify a trigger current at least partly in response to a state of the control signal, wherein the trigger current is modifiable by the current source to have at least two different current levels; and a latch having a low-impedance state and a high-impedance state, wherein the latch is configured to receive the trigger current as an input, wherein the latch is configured to conduct a latch current from the first node to a second node when the latch is in the low-impedance state, wherein a level of the trigger current is configured to control an activation voltage at which the latch transitions from the high-impedance state to the low-impedance state so as to adjust a response time of the latch, and wherein the timer is configured to provide the control signal to the current source, wherein the detector comprises a detection capacitor, a first detection resistor, and a first detection transistor, wherein the detection capacitor is electrically connected between the first node and a drain of the first detection transistor, wherein the first detection resistor is electrically connected between the first node and a gate of the first detection transistor, and wherein a source of the first detection transistor is connected to the second node.