Patent ID: 6194951
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
A method for driving an integrated power output stage having a limit switch for switching a load connected to terminals of a voltage source in series with the limit switch, a control unit generates control signals for driving the integrated power output stage, the method which comprises:measuring a voltage at a junction point between the load and the limit switch if the load is disconnected resulting in a measured voltage;comparing the measured voltage with a predetermined threshold value resulting in a comparison result;storing a value associated with the comparison result over a course of operation;turning on and off the limit switch to have shallow turn-on and turn-off edges with a first predetermined current when the value has a first, low signal level; andturning on and off the limit switch to have steep turn-on and turn-off edges with a second current if the value has a second, high signal level, the second current being a higher current than the first predetermined current.