Current limiting output circuit with output feedback

摘要

An IGFET push-pull driver circuit includes an output stage having pull-up and pull-down IGFETs for driving an output node. An inverter stage drives the gate of the pull-up IGFET. A current sensing IGFET biased to represent a resistance is coupled between the pull-up IGFET and the output node to provide a voltage drop which is proportional to the current flowing through the pull-up IGFET. A regulating IGFET with its channel coupled between the gate of the pull-up IGFET and the output node and with its gate coupled to the juncture of the pull-up IGFET and the current sensing IGFET, responds to the voltage drop across the current sensing IGFET to provide feedback control of the conductance of the pull-up IGFET. The maximum output current of the driver is limited to a value which remains substantially constant over a wide range of processing parameters, operating temperature and load impedance.