Patent ID: 6127882
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
A current monitor comprising:a semiconductor device having first and second electrodes and a control electrode for controlling the flow of current through the first and second electrodes;a first user selectable device in series with the first electrode and monitoring current through the first electrode;a first circuit coupled to the first user selectable device providing a first signal that indicates whether the current through the first user selectable device exceeds a first current limit, the first current limit being adjustable by the first user selectable device;a second user selectable device;a second circuit coupled to the first user selectable device and the second user selectable device, the second circuit providing a second signal that indicates whether the current through the first user selectable device exceeds a second current limit, the second current limit being controllable by the second user selectable device;a controller having a start-up mode and a normal operating mode, the controller being coupled to the first and second circuits and the control electrode, the controller during the start-up mode limiting the current through the first user selectable device to the second current limit, and during the normal operating mode, not limiting the current and controlling the control electrode to stop current flow through the semiconductor device if the current through the first user selectable device exceeds the first current limit.