Patent ID: 6496052
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: H02M,H03K

Abstract:
An apparatus for minimizing a temperature coefficient associated with a current limit in an output current that is provided to a load, the apparatus comprising:a comparator circuit that includes a first input that is arranged to receive a first signal, a second input that is arranged to receive a second signal, and an output that is arranged to provide an output signal in response to a comparison between the first input signal and the second input signal; a converter circuit that is arranged to produce a first current in response to a voltage reference signal, wherein the converter circuit has an associated first temperature coefficient; a first resistance circuit that is coupled to a transconductance circuit and arranged to produce the first signal in response to the first current, wherein the first resistance circuit has an associated second temperature coefficient; an output circuit that is arranged to provide the output current in response to a drive signal, and to provide a sense output signal that corresponds to a current level that is associated with the output current, wherein the sense output signal has an associated third temperature coefficient; and a second resistance circuit that is coupled to the second input of the comparator circuit and arranged to provide the second signal in response to the sense output signal such that the output signal changes logic states when the output current is at the current limit, and the first, second, and third temperature coefficients cancel one another with respect to the current limit.