Controlling a thermally sensitive over-current protector

摘要

A method for controlling a thermally sensitive over-current protector is described. A battery current is monitored. It is then determined whether or not the monitored current has exceeded a predetermined threshold during the entirety of a predetermined time interval. If yes, then a current source is signaled to raise its current, so as to increase the heat being generated by a heating element that is being driven by the current source thereby tripping the thermally sensitive over-current protector. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

主权项

1. A circuit for over-current protection, comprising:
a current sense and control circuit to be coupled to monitor a load current, and provide a control signal that is responsive to the monitored load current exceeding a predetermined threshold for a predetermined time interval; an automatically resettable, thermally sensitive over-current protector that conducts the load current; an electrical heating element that is in proximity to the resettable, thermally sensitive over-current protector and is to conduct a heating current, being separate from the load current; and a current source circuit having a control input coupled to receive the control signal, wherein the current source circuit is coupled to the electrical heating element that is in proximity to the resettable, thermally sensitive, over-current protector, wherein the current source circuit is to raise the heating current through the electrical heating element in accordance with the control signal to a high enough level that causes the over-current protector to trip.