Patent ID: 6034515
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: H02H,Y10S

Abstract:
A current limiting circuit connected to a load, comprising:a positive input connection coupled to a positive potential of an input DC voltage;a negative input connection coupled to a negative potential of the input DC voltage; andan output side having a positive output connection and a negative output connection, the output side providing an output DC voltage and a maximum possible output DC current, the maximum possible output DC current being dependent on the input DC voltage when the input DC voltage is below a predetermined threshold value and being essentially constant when the input DC voltage is above the predetermined threshold value, the load being connected to the output side,wherein, when the input DC voltage is raised from zero volts to a predetermined reference voltage, an output DC current flows through the load only when the input DC voltage rises to a value above an undervoltage threshold value, the undervoltage threshold value being less than the predetermined reference voltage,and wherein, when the input DC voltage is raised from zero volts to the predetermined reference voltage, the maximum possible output DC current suddenly rises when the input DC voltage exceeds an activation threshold value, the activation threshold value being less than the predetermined reference voltage.