RE-CONFIGURABLE AMPLIFIER PROTECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD
First Claim
1. An amplifier circuit comprising:
- a) a current detection circuit for detecting current;
b) a voltage detection circuit for detecting voltage;
c) a logic circuit for selecting a current detection level based on level of the voltage; and
d) a control circuit to shutdown the amplifier if a certain current detection level is exceeded.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an amplifier, which is able to re-configure its internal protection circuits based on an output signal level. This allows the amplifier to apply the best protection level to the present operational condition. The protection level or threshold for protecting the amplifier is dynamically adjusted to a lower threshold level, thereby making it more sensitive in certain operating scenarios. In one embodiment of the present invention, a first current protection threshold is used to operate an amplifier in a first state. If an event occurs, the amplifier protection circuit is re-configured and the amplifier continues to operate with a second protection threshold in a second state.
-
Citations
18 Claims
-
1. An amplifier circuit comprising:
-
a) a current detection circuit for detecting current;
b) a voltage detection circuit for detecting voltage;
c) a logic circuit for selecting a current detection level based on level of the voltage; and
d) a control circuit to shutdown the amplifier if a certain current detection level is exceeded. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. An amplifier system comprising:
-
a) current detection means for detecting current;
b) voltage detection means for detecting voltage;
logic means for selecting a current detection level based on level of the voltage; and
control circuit means to shutdown the amplifier if a certain current detection level is exceeded. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A method comprising:
-
detecting current output from an amplifier;
detecting voltage output from said amplifier;
selecting a current detection level based on a level of said voltage output; and
shutting down said amplifier if a certain current detection level is exceeded. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
Specification