Patent ID: 6232753
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: G05F

Abstract:
A voltage regulator for limiting overcurrents when used with a plurality of loads which are coupled between an output node of the regulator and a voltage reference via a plurality of switches, the voltage regulator comprising:at least one differential stage having:a non-inverting input terminal structured to receive a control voltage,an inverting input terminal coupled to the voltage reference and the output node of the regulator through a feedback network,an output terminal that supplies an output reference voltage from a comparison of input voltages;a main control transistor connected between a high-voltage reference and the output node of the regulator; anda plurality of balance transistors connected between the high-voltage reference and the output node of the regulator and each driven according to a respective one of the plurality of loads being connected to said output node of the regulator, and structured to shorten the duration of an overcurrent at said output node of the regulator while delivering the current required by said respective ones of said plurality of loads.