Electronic overload protection circuit

摘要

A solid-state overload protection circuit for protecting a multiple-stage compound transistor power amplifier. The overload protection circuit includes a current-limiting circuit for sensing or limiting the current during an overload condition. The current-limiting circuit includes a transistor which conducts to limit the current in the output stages of the multiple-stage power amplifier. A monitoring circuit including a timing circuit, a comparator, and a switching transistor monitors the duration of the overload condition and disables the input stages of the multiple-stage power amplifier when a prolonged overload condition persists.