Patent ID: 7102415

Claim:
A method for providing a trip-point detection signal when a current that is delivered to a load decreases below a predetermined threshold, the method comprising: coupling a current (IOUT) to a common node through a pass circuit that is responsive to a first control signal such that the current (IOUT) is controlled; coupling the current (IOUT) from the common node through a sense circuit to the load at an output node; setting a trip-point level with a first resistor circuit and a first current source, wherein the first current source is series coupled to the common node through the first resistor circuit, and wherein the first current source is configured to provide an approximately constant current level; monitoring a voltage associated with the load to provide a sensed output voltage comparing the trip-point level with the sensed output voltage; asserting the trip-point detection signal when the current (IOUT) decreases from a current limit level (IMAX) to a predetermined threshold level as indicated by the change in the sensed output voltage relative to the trip point level; selecting a tap-point in the first resistor circuit in response to a selection signal; and adjusting the trip-point level associated with trip-point detection signal in response to the selected tap-point in the first resistor circuit.