Title: Short circuit detector
Application Number: 98106070 Application Date: 1998.03.03
Publication Number: 1194379 Publication Date: 1998.09.30
Approval Pub. Date: 2003.06.18 Granted Pub. Date: 2003.06.18
International Classifi-cation: G01R31/02
Applicant(s) Name: SGS Thomson Microelectronics Co.,Ltd. Address:
Inventor(s) Name: M. Mazuk;G. Majaone
Attorney & Agent: zhang zhicheng
Abstract:
    The device comprises: a current generator (10) for generating a current (IIN) of predetermined intensity, selectively into or out of the terminal (IN), a first voltage comparator (20) connected to the terminal and connected to the current generator in a manner such that the generator generates a current (IIN) in the inward direction and in the outward direction relative to the terminal (IN), respectively, when the voltage between the terminal (IN) and the earth (gnd) is greater than a first level and less than a second level, respectively, the first level being greater than or equal to the second, a second voltage comparator (30) for supplying a first and a second signal (A=1; B=1), respectively, when the voltage between the terminal (IN) and the earth (gnd) is close to the supply voltage (Vcc) and close to the earth potential (gnd), respectively, and a processing circuit (40) connected to the second comparator (30) for detecting whether the first or the second signal (A=1; B=1), respectively, persists for a predetermined period of time (GATE) and, in this case, supplying an output signal (F_Vcc; F_gnd) indicative of a short-circuit of the terminal (IN) to the supply (Vcc) or to the earth (gnd), respectively.
Time: 58