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LOAD DRIVE APPARATUS

  • US 20090237853A1
  • Filed: 06/21/2007
  • Published: 09/24/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/05/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A load drive apparatus comprising a switching element connected in series to a DC power source and an electric load,a drive circuit for generating control signals to turn said switching element on and off,a thermal detection element for detecting a temperature of the switching element,an overheat protective circuit for generating an overheat detection signal when the thermal detection element detects the temperature of the switching element over a predetermined temperature level, anda disconnection detection circuit having a current mirror circuit connected to one and the other terminals in the thermal detection element to detect disconnection in wiring between the thermal detection element and overheat protective circuit by the current mirror circuit,wherein the overheat protective circuit or disconnection detection circuit produces an output signal to block transmission of control signals from the control circuit to the switching element when the overheat protective circuit produces the overheat detection signal or when the disconnection detection circuit detects the disconnection in wiring between the thermal detection element and overheat protective circuit.

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