Segmented driver for a transistor device

摘要

A segmented driver including at least one drive pin and a sense pin, a driver circuit, a comparator, and a controller. The driver circuit activates a selected drive level between the drive pins and a reference node. The comparator compares a voltage of the sense pin with a threshold voltage and provides a threshold indication when the voltage of the sense pin reaches the threshold voltage. The controller commands the driver circuit to activate a first drive level in response to an off indication, and commands the driver circuit to switch to a second, lower drive level in response to the threshold indication. The driver circuit may be implemented using low resistive current devices. Multiple drive pins may be included, each for selectively activating a corresponding drive path to adjust drive level. The threshold voltage may be set using a current source and resistor, and may be adjusted for temperature.

主权项

1. A segmented driver, comprising:
at least one drive pin and a sense pin; a driver circuit that is configured to activate a selected drive level between said at least one drive pin and a reference node; a comparator that is configured to compare a voltage of said sense pin with a threshold voltage and to provide a threshold indication when said voltage of said sense pin reaches said threshold voltage; and a controller that is configured to command said driver circuit to activate a first drive level in response to an off indication, and to command said driver circuit to switch from said first drive level to a second drive level that is lower than said first drive level in response to said threshold indication.