Patent ID: 8044624

Claim:
A load control apparatus configured to output a pulse width modulation signal to a switching element, which is connected between a power supply and ground in series with a load, and configured to control the switching element according to an external drive instruction signal, the load control apparatus comprising: means for outputting an abnormal increase detection signal when detecting abnormal increase in applied voltage, which is applied to the load, relative to target voltage; means for outputting an abnormal decrease detection signal when detecting abnormal decrease in the applied voltage relative to the target voltage; means for outputting a normally operating signal according to an output of the pulse width modulation signal when the load normally operates; and means for generating a combined signal by combining the abnormal increase detection signal received from the means for outputting an abnormal increase detection signal, the abnormal decrease detection signal received from the means for outputting an abnormal decrease detection signal, and the normally operating signal received from the means for outputting a normally operating signal such that the abnormal increase detection signal, the abnormal decrease detection signal, and the normally operating signal being distinguishable from each other, and outputting the combined signal via a common signal output terminal.