Patent ID: 6462587
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
An integrated circuit for controlling the current supplied to a load, the integrated circuit comprising:a substrate; a comparator circuit, formed on said substrate, comprising: a constant current source; input means for inputting a reference voltage signal and an input voltage signal; a differential amplifier including at least two parallel current paths, each including a load element, and a depletion-type MOS having a gate connected to said input means to receive one of said input voltage signal and said reference voltage signal, a drain connected to said load element, and a source connected to said constant current source; and output means, connected to one of said current paths, for outputting an output signal representative of the comparison of said input voltage signal and said reference voltage signal; and an insulated gate vertical switching transistor, formed on said substrate and connected to the load, for continuing or discontinuing the current supplied to the load in response to said output signal.