Patent ID: 7468874
Filing Date: 2008-12-23
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
1. A protection circuit comprising: a detection module that receives a first reference voltage signal and receives a load voltage signal from a MOSFET, and that generates a detection signal having a first state and a second state according to the first reference voltage signal and the load voltage signal; and a protection module that receives the detection signal and maintains the MOSFET in an ON state when the detection signal is in the first state and transitions the MOSFET from the ON state to an OFF state when the detection signal is in the second state, wherein the MOSFET does not include a current sensor and does not include a temperature sensor, the detection signal is in the second state when the MOSFET is in at least one of a current overload condition and a short circuit condition, and the detection signal is in the second state when the MOSFET is in an over temperature condition.