Short circuit current protection in an amplifier

摘要

Systems and methods for protecting circuits from short-circuit events are described. The system may include, for example, first circuitry that receives an output signal from a power amplifier to be protected from a short-circuit event. The first circuitry mirrors an output stage of the power amplifier and provides a mirrored current that mirrors an output stage current of the power amplifier. Second circuitry is operatively coupled to the first circuitry and to the power amplifier. The second circuitry includes, for example, a comparator circuit that compares the mirrored current to a reference current. A first transistor of the comparator circuit is in a mirror configuration with respect to a second transistor of the power amplifier. The second transistor sinks or sources current into the power amplifier to protect the power amplifier from the short-circuit event.

主权项

1. One or more circuits that provide short circuit protection, comprising:
first circuitry that receives an output signal from a power amplifier to be protected from a short-circuit event, the first circuitry mirroring an output stage of the power amplifier and providing a mirrored current that mirrors an output stage current of the power amplifier; and second circuitry operatively coupled to the first circuitry and to the power amplifier, the second circuitry including a comparator circuit that compares the mirrored current to a reference current, wherein a first transistor of the comparator circuit is in a mirror configuration with respect to a second transistor of the power amplifier, and wherein the second transistor sinks or sources current into the power amplifier to protect the power amplifier from the short-circuit event.