IC amplifier with saturation detection

摘要

An integrated circuit which includes a detection circuit for detecting the condition of saturation of an output transistor (Q0) whose collector-emitter path is intended to pass an output current. A threshold circuit (A) of the detection circuit is arranged to perform a switching operation when a representative parameter of the condition of saturation crosses a given threshold. A control transistor (Q) is arranged to supply at least a part of the base current of the output transistor (Q0) and the threshold circuit (A) performs its switching operation when the value of the current passing through the collector-emitter path of the control transistor exceeds a given level.