Robert W Brannen

US Patent:

20020089801, Jul 11, 2002

Filed:

Jan 9, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/757987

Inventors:

Robert Brannen - Fremont CA, US
Bahram Fotouhi - Cupertino CA, US

Assignee:

Exar Corporation

International Classification:

H02H009/02

US Classification:

361/058000, 361/093900

Abstract:

The present invention provides a short circuit power limiter circuit having a current sensor and a power limiter. The short circuit sensor sends a short circuit flag signal to the power limiter when the short circuit sensor detects a short circuit condition in a target circuit. The power limiter then reduces the power consumption of the target circuit. In a specific example, the power limiter toggles a particular portion of the target circuit on and off to reduce the circuit's average short circuit power consumption. This cycle is repeated as long as a short circuit condition exists.