18171006. CIRCUIT AND SYSTEM FOR ACTIVELY DISCHARGING A POWER STAGE INPUT NODE DURING POWER SUPPLY TURN-ON simplified abstract (Texas Instruments Incorporated)

CIRCUIT AND SYSTEM FOR ACTIVELY DISCHARGING A POWER STAGE INPUT NODE DURING POWER SUPPLY TURN-ON

Organization Name

Texas Instruments Incorporated

Inventor(s)

Manuel Wiersch of Freising (DE)

Ferdinand Stettner of Dachau (DE)

CIRCUIT AND SYSTEM FOR ACTIVELY DISCHARGING A POWER STAGE INPUT NODE DURING POWER SUPPLY TURN-ON - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18171006 titled 'CIRCUIT AND SYSTEM FOR ACTIVELY DISCHARGING A POWER STAGE INPUT NODE DURING POWER SUPPLY TURN-ON

The circuit described in the patent application controls a discharge transistor for a power stage using a current mirror, a first diode, and a second diode. The current mirror consists of four field-effect transistors that generate a fast startup signal and a startup discharge signal, which are then used to control the discharge transistor.

• The current mirror includes four field-effect transistors for generating startup signals.
• A first diode limits the fast startup signal to a maximum voltage below the supply voltage.
• A second diode limits the startup discharge signal to a maximum voltage below the supply voltage.

Potential Applications: - Power management systems - Electronic devices requiring precise control of discharge transistors

Problems Solved: - Ensures controlled and efficient operation of discharge transistors in power stages - Prevents voltage spikes that could damage the circuit

Benefits: - Improved reliability and longevity of power stages - Enhanced performance of electronic devices utilizing the circuit

Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Power Stage Control Circuit for Enhanced Efficiency This technology can be applied in various industries such as telecommunications, automotive, and renewable energy, where precise control of power stages is crucial for optimal performance and efficiency.

Questions about the technology: 1. How does the circuit ensure a fast startup signal for the discharge transistor? 2. What are the advantages of using diodes to limit the maximum voltage of the startup signals?

Original Abstract Submitted

A circuit for controlling a discharge transistor for a power stage includes a current mirror, a first diode, and a second diode. The current mirror includes first, second, third and fourth field-effect transistors (FETs) configured to provide a fast startup signal and a startup discharge signal. The startup discharge signal is provided to a gate of the discharge transistor. The first diode is configured to limit the fast startup signal to a first maximum voltage less than the supply voltage, and the second diode is configured to limit the startup discharge signal to a second maximum voltage less than the supply voltage.