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Over-current protection circuit and method for protecting switching power amplifier circuits

  • US 7,554,409 B1
  • Filed: 09/27/2007
  • Issued: 06/30/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/27/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for protecting circuits within an integrated circuit having an audio amplifier switching driver stage and coupled to an inductive load by power switching devices, the method comprising:

  • receiving an over-current indication that indicates the output of the integrated circuit should be shut down due to an over-current condition;

    responsive to receiving the over-current signal, first disabling a first one of the power switching devices that has a conduction direction corresponding to the over-current condition;

    responsive to receiving the over-current signal, enabling a second one of the power switching devices that has a conduction direction opposite to the conduction direction of the first power switching device; and

    subsequent to discharging energy from said inductive load, second disabling the second power switching device, whereby an output of the audio amplifier is not completely disabled until the energy stored in the inductive load is reduced through the second power switching device.

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