Electrical transmission or interconnection systems – Nonlinear reactor systems – Parametrons
Patent
1987-08-10
1988-12-27
Miller, Stanley D.
Electrical transmission or interconnection systems
Nonlinear reactor systems
Parametrons
3072992, 307296A, 357 35, 323231, 323315, G05F 318, H01L 2972, H01L 2704, H03K 1716
Patent
active
047942770
ABSTRACT:
A low voltage lockout circuit preferably of integrated circuit form to provide a lockout signal when an internally generated reference voltage is insufficient. According to the present invention, a reference voltage is produced by passing a constant current through a reference voltage element, such as a zener diode. Insufficient reference voltage caused by a low power supply input voltage is detected by sensing the saturation of the constant current source. The present invention indicates the precise point of saturation of the constant current source and produces a lockout signal for use by other portions of the integrated circuit, or external devices. The lockout signal also indicates the minimum usable power supply input voltage. The constant current source and the saturation detection element are combined and implemented within a single semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes a transistor having a second collector, wherein the minority carriers are re-emitted from the first collector upon saturation of the first collector, and received by the second collector; the resulting current produces the lockout signal.
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Bertelson David R.
Miller Stanley D.
Unitrode Corporation
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