초록 ▼

An integrated circuit protection device for use with a voltage regulator used to drive an integrated circuit to prevent damage to the integrated circuit which goes into a “latch up”condition. The integrated circuit protection device comprises a first switching circuit, connected to the output of the

An integrated circuit protection device for use with a voltage regulator used to drive an integrated circuit to prevent damage to the integrated circuit which goes into a “latch up”condition. The integrated circuit protection device comprises a first switching circuit, connected to the output of the voltage regulator for selectively connecting the output of the voltage regulator to ground and a second switching circuit, connected to the input and the output of the voltage regulator and to the first switching circuit, for detecting a “latch up”condition and for selectively activating the first switching circuit upon detection of a “latch up”condition, whereby the first switching circuit connects the output of the voltage regulator to ground and resets the integrated circuit to prevent damage thereto. A predetermined time after the “latch up”condition is detected, normal operation is automatically restored. In another embodiment, the first switching circuit is included in an adjustable voltage regulator, but is still controlled by the second switching circuit as described hereinbefore. In still another embodiment the protection circuit monitors the input current drawn by a voltage regulator and cuts the current thereto when the current exceeds a predetermined value caused by the “latch up”condition of the integrated circuit. The output of the voltage regulator drops to zero and clears the integrated circuit.

대표청구항 ▼

A protection device for an externally coupled integrated circuit having a first and second DC input terminal, comprising: detecting means, operatively DC coupled to said integrated circuit at said DC input terminals, for detecting a “latch-up”condition in said integrated circuit; switch means for ef

A protection device for an externally coupled integrated circuit having a first and second DC input terminal, comprising: detecting means, operatively DC coupled to said integrated circuit at said DC input terminals, for detecting a “latch-up”condition in said integrated circuit; switch means for effecting a low impedance across said DC input terminals; and clearing means operatively coupled to said detecting means and said switch means, for automatically clearing said integrated circuit of said “latch-up”condition for a predetermined period of time.