EP1113352B1 - Regulation device - Google Patents

Regulation device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1113352B1
EP1113352B1 EP00403691A EP00403691A EP1113352B1 EP 1113352 B1 EP1113352 B1 EP 1113352B1 EP 00403691 A EP00403691 A EP 00403691A EP 00403691 A EP00403691 A EP 00403691A EP 1113352 B1 EP1113352 B1 EP 1113352B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
voltage
transistor
satisfied
variable
terminal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP00403691A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1113352A1 (en
Inventor
Laurent Micheli
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
STMicroelectronics SA
Original Assignee
STMicroelectronics SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by STMicroelectronics SA filed Critical STMicroelectronics SA
Publication of EP1113352A1 publication Critical patent/EP1113352A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1113352B1 publication Critical patent/EP1113352B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05F—SYSTEMS FOR REGULATING ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G05F1/00—Automatic systems in which deviations of an electric quantity from one or more predetermined values are detected at the output of the system and fed back to a device within the system to restore the detected quantity to its predetermined value or values, i.e. retroactive systems
    • G05F1/10—Regulating voltage or current
    • G05F1/46—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is dc
    • G05F1/56—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is dc using semiconductor devices in series with the load as final control devices
    • G05F1/565—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is dc using semiconductor devices in series with the load as final control devices sensing a condition of the system or its load in addition to means responsive to deviations in the output of the system, e.g. current, voltage, power factor
    • G05F1/569—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is dc using semiconductor devices in series with the load as final control devices sensing a condition of the system or its load in addition to means responsive to deviations in the output of the system, e.g. current, voltage, power factor for protection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05F—SYSTEMS FOR REGULATING ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G05F1/00—Automatic systems in which deviations of an electric quantity from one or more predetermined values are detected at the output of the system and fed back to a device within the system to restore the detected quantity to its predetermined value or values, i.e. retroactive systems
    • G05F1/10—Regulating voltage or current
    • G05F1/46—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is dc
    • G05F1/56—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is dc using semiconductor devices in series with the load as final control devices
    • G05F1/565—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is dc using semiconductor devices in series with the load as final control devices sensing a condition of the system or its load in addition to means responsive to deviations in the output of the system, e.g. current, voltage, power factor
    • G05F1/569—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is dc using semiconductor devices in series with the load as final control devices sensing a condition of the system or its load in addition to means responsive to deviations in the output of the system, e.g. current, voltage, power factor for protection
    • G05F1/571—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is dc using semiconductor devices in series with the load as final control devices sensing a condition of the system or its load in addition to means responsive to deviations in the output of the system, e.g. current, voltage, power factor for protection with overvoltage detector

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of voltage regulators, of the type providing a constant DC voltage while themselves being supplied by a DC voltage that can vary.
  • a regulator to output a voltage of 3.3 volts will be supplied with a DC voltage, for example between 5.1 and 9.5 volts.
  • the upper limit of power supply of a regulator depends essentially on the technology of the active components of which it is provided.
  • the document US 5,047,751 discloses a voltage monitoring circuit of a power supply, comprising two power supply lines, a reference voltage source, two comparators and a switching transistor mounted between the two comparators.
  • An alarm signal indicating whether the supply voltage is normal or abnormal is obtained at the output of the second comparator to protect against overvoltage.
  • Such a circuit causes the resetting of a control circuit to which it is connected, which results in an interruption of operation.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose a voltage regulator that does not destroy itself when the voltage to which it is subjected exceeds the breakdown voltage of its active components.
  • the regulating device is powered by a variable voltage V V and is intended to provide a constant voltage for the supply of consumer elements.
  • the device comprises a regulating element providing a regulated voltage, a means for comparing the variable voltage V v with a reference voltage V ref , a means for dividing the variable voltage V v by a factor k 1 , and a switching means adapted to supply the regulating element with a voltage V r equal to either the variable voltage V v or the variable variable voltage V v / k 1, the switching means being controlled by the comparator means of way that the regulating element is powered by the variable voltage V v if said variable voltage V v is below a predetermined threshold and by the divided variable voltage V v / k 1 if said variable voltage V v is greater than a predetermined threshold the variable voltage V v being capable of taking values greater than those which the active components of the device are capable of supporting.
  • the device may comprise an inverter mounted at the output of the amplifier to obtain an inverse control signal V_.
  • the division means by the factor k 2 may comprise at least two resistors connected in series between the variable voltage V v and the ground.
  • the dividing means by the factor k 1 may comprise at least two resistors connected in series between the variable voltage V v and the ground.
  • the dividing means by the factor k 1 and the dividing means by the factor k 2 may comprise at least one common resistor.
  • the switching means comprises a first transistor whose terminal is connected to the input of said switching means and sees the variable voltage V V , another terminal is connected to the output of said switching means and sees the voltage V r , and a control terminal connected to a control means generating a voltage adapted to make the first transistor passing if the voltage condition is not satisfied or blocked if the voltage condition is satisfied.
  • the first transistor may be of the MOS type.
  • the switching means comprises at least one second transistor, one terminal of which is connected to the input of said switching means and sees the variable voltage V V , another terminal is connected to the output of said switching means and sees the voltage V r , and a control terminal sees a control voltage equal to the divided variable voltage V v / k 1 able to block the second transistor if the voltage condition is not satisfied and to turn it on if the voltage condition is satisfied so that the voltage V r is equal to the divided variable voltage V v / k 1 .
  • the second transistor can be replaced by an assembly cascode of several transistors, for example bipolar, to provide more current at the output of the switching means.
  • control means of the first transistor comprises a third transistor controlled by an output voltage of the comparison means and a fourth transistor controlled by the inverse of the said output voltage of the comparison means, the third transistor being connected by a grounded and by another terminal at the output of the switching means seeing the voltage V r through two resistors R21 and R22 in series, the point common to said two resistors seeing the voltage V r if the voltage condition is not satisfied and a voltage equal to V r * R21 / (R21 + R22) if the voltage condition is satisfied.
  • the fourth transistor is connected by a terminal to the ground and by another terminal to the output of the switching means via a fifth transistor whose control terminal is connected to the point common to said two resistors, the fifth transistor being on if the voltage condition is satisfied and off if the voltage condition is not satisfied, so that the common point at the fourth and fifth transistors sees a substantially zero voltage if the voltage condition is not satisfied and at less than the voltage V r if the voltage condition is satisfied.
  • the third and fourth transistors may be of the MOS type with their source grounded.
  • the fifth transistor may be of the MOS type with the source under the voltage V r.
  • control means of the first transistor further comprises a sixth transistor provided with a terminal connected to the common point at the fourth and fifth transistors, the other terminal and the control terminal being short-circuited and connected to the output.
  • the switching means seeing the voltage V r via two resistors R27 and R28 in series, the sixth transistor being on if the voltage condition is not satisfied and blocked if the voltage condition is satisfied, the common point said two resistors R27 and R28 seeing the voltage V r * R27 / (R27 + R28) if the voltage condition is not satisfied and the voltage V r if the voltage condition is satisfied.
  • a seventh transistor is provided with a control terminal connected to the point common to said two resistors R27 and R28, a terminal connected to the common point at the fourth and fifth transistors, and another terminal connected to the common point at the fourth and fifth transistors via a resistor R33, the other terminal of the seventh transistor being also connected to the control terminal of the first transistor of the switching means via a resistor R32, a resistor R31 connecting the control terminal of the first transistor and the input of the switching means seeing the variable voltage V v , so that the seventh transistor is passing if the voltage condition is not satisfied, the control terminal of the first transistor being subjected to a voltage substantially equal to V V * R32 / (R31 + R32) able to make it go, and that the seventh transistor is blocked if the voltage condition is satisfied, the control terminal of the first transistor being subjected to a voltage substantially equal to V v able to block it.
  • the sixth transistor can be bipolar type collector and base short-circuited.
  • the seventh transistor can be of bipolar type with the collector connected to the point common to the resistors R32 and R33.
  • a regulator can be produced using HF5 CMOS technology for which the breakdown voltage is around 15 volts.
  • the general principle is to detect the applied voltage with respect to a threshold of 12.5 volts by means of a resistive bridge and a comparator and to switch the regulating structure maintaining normal operation if the voltage is less than 12 volts and dividing the applied voltage if it is greater than 12 volts.
  • the regulator is designed so that none of its components likely to snap around 15 volts is subjected to such a voltage.
  • the invention also relates to a control method for providing a constant voltage for supplying consumer elements from a variable voltage V v, in which process it compares the variable voltage V v with a reference voltage V ref , the variable voltage V v is divided by a factor k 1 , and the regulation element is supplied with a voltage V r equal to either the variable voltage V v or the variable voltage divided V v / k 1 by switching between the two voltages, the switching being controlled according to the comparison so that the regulating element is powered by the variable voltage V v if a voltage condition is not and satisfied by the variable voltage divided V v / k 1 if the voltage condition is satisfied, the variable voltage V v is likely to take values higher than those that are able to support the active components of the device.
  • the invention applies to the automotive field, in particular for air bags.
  • a regulator supporting a supply voltage higher than that normally permitted by the technology used which has many advantages in terms of choice of technology, reduction of the silicon surface used and optimization.
  • the regulator in the case of an automobile, the regulator is normally powered from a battery of an alternator operating at 12 volts. However, if the battery is disconnected, the output voltage of the alternator may reach much higher values.
  • the vehicle's electrical network is also subject to radiation due to the high voltage used by the engine spark plugs. As a result, a regulator mounted in an automobile must be able to withstand voltages of up to 25 volts.
  • the regulating device comprises a regulating element 1 of conventional type, powered by a DC voltage likely to vary between 5.1 and 12.5 volts and outputting a regulated voltage of 3.3 volts.
  • the regulating device also comprises a reference module 2 supplying the regulation element with a reference voltage, enabling it to develop the regulated voltage.
  • the control device comprises a dividing means 3 of the supply voltage V v , the latter being between 5.1 and 25 volts.
  • the dividing means 3 divides the supply voltage by two.
  • the regulating device also comprises a switch means 4 having an input connected directly to the supply voltage V v between 5.1 and 25 volts, another input is connected to the output of the dividing means 3 and sees a voltage V r between 5.1 and 12.5 volts, the output supplies the regulation element 1 and a control input receives a reference from a comparison means 5.
  • the comparison means 5 comprises an amplifier 6 mounted in a comparator whose negative terminal receives a reference voltage V ref coming from the reference module 2, whose positive terminal receives a voltage V comp proportional to the supply voltage V v via two resistors 7 and 8 series connected between the voltage supply between 5.1 and 25 volts and the ground, the positive terminal of the amplifier 6 being connected to the common point between the two resistors 7 and 8.
  • the output of the amplifier 6 is connected to the control input of the switching means 4.
  • the switching means 4 supplies the regulating element 1 directly with the supply voltage V v . This is because the supply voltage V v is less than 12.5 volts. If the supply voltage is greater than 12.5 volts, the amplifier 6 outputs an opposite instruction. The switching means 4 then feeds the regulating element 1 from the divided voltage V r supplied by the dividing means 3. Thus, the regulating element 1 always sees at input a voltage less than or equal to 12.5 volts, while the regulator as a whole sees a supply voltage less than or equal to 25 volts.
  • the module 9, which groups the dividing means 3 and the switching means 4 is not only connected to the output of the amplifier 6 by which it receives a control signal denoted V + via the driver 10. However, the module 9 also receives a reverse command signal V - which is obtained by means of an inverter 11 receiving as input the control signal V + .
  • the comparison voltage V comp is supplied to the negative terminal of the amplifier 6 by the module 9, the resistors making it possible to obtain the comparison voltage V comp which can also be integrated in the module 9.
  • the detail of the module 9 is illustrated on the figure 3 .
  • the module 9 is divided into three parts having different functionalities and separated by mixed lines.
  • the dividing means 3 is formed by three resistors R12, R13 and R14 arranged in series between a line providing the variable supply voltage V v between 5.1 and 25 volts and the ground line, it being understood that the mass can to be floating, that is to say that the voltage V v is taken in relation to the mass.
  • V comp V v * R14 / (R12 + R13 + R14)
  • V d V v * (R13 + R14) / (R12 + R13 + R14).
  • k 1 (R13 + R14) / (R12 + R13 + R14)
  • k 2 R14 / (R12 + R13 + R14).
  • V comp is less than or equal to 5 volts and V d is less than or equal to 14 volts.
  • the remainder of the module 9 forms the switching means 4 and can be divided into a switching part 15 and a switching control part 16.
  • the switching part 15 comprises a first MOS-type transistor T17 whose source is connected to the power supply under the voltage V v , the drain of which is connected to the output of the module 9 which supplies the control element 1 of the figure 1 a supply voltage V r less than or equal to 12.5 volts and whose gate receives a control signal from the switching control part 16 which will be described later.
  • the switching part 15 also comprises a second PNP bipolar transistor T18 whose collector is connected to the supply line under the voltage V v , the base of which is connected to the point common to the resistors R12 and R13 and sees the voltage V d and whose emitter is here connected to a further bipolar transistor T19 forming a cascode arrangement to be able to provide a high output current under the voltage V r. If the required output current is lower, the presence of the transistor additional T19 is not necessary.
  • the NPN transistor T19 has its collector connected to the supply line under the voltage V v , its base connected to the emitter of the transistor T18 and its emitter connected to the output line of the voltage V r .
  • V r V d - V BET18 - V BET19 .
  • V v 25 volts
  • V d 14 volts
  • V r substantially equal to 12.5 volts.
  • the maximum voltage seen by these transistors is equal to V v - V r and therefore does not exceed 12.5 volts.
  • the switching control portion 16 serves to generate the gate control signal of the transistor T17 so that said transistor T17 is turned off if the variable voltage V v is greater than 12.5 volts and is passing in other cases.
  • the switching control portion receives the control signal V + and the inverse control signal V - from the comparison means 5 illustrated in FIG. figure 1 .
  • the switching control portion 16 comprises an MOS transistor T20 whose source is connected to ground, whose gate receives the control signal V + and whose drain is connected to the output line under the voltage V r by the intermediate of two resistors in series R21 and R22.
  • the switching control portion 16 comprises a T23 MOS transistor of the same type as the previous one whose source is connected to ground, whose gate receives the inverse control signal V - and whose drain is connected to a point referenced 24.
  • a MOS transistor T25 has its drain connected to point 24, its source connected to the output line under voltage V r and its gate connected to the common point between the resistors R21 and R22.
  • An NPN T26 type bipolar transistor has its emitter connected to the point 24 and its base and its collector short-circuited and connected to the output line under the voltage V r via two resistors R27 and R28.
  • a bipolar transistor T29 of the NPN type has its emitter connected to the point 24, its base connected to the common point between the resistors R27 and R28 and its collector connected to a point referenced 30.
  • Three resistors in series, R31, R32 and R33 are arranged between the input line under the variable voltage V v and the point 24.
  • the point 30 is the common point between the resistors R32 and R33.
  • the transistor T29 is able to short-circuit the resistor R33 when it is conducting.
  • the common point between the resistors R31 and R32 is connected to the gate of the transistor T17 of the switching part 15 and therefore provides it with the control signal.
  • the operation of the switching control part 16 is as follows. If the voltage V v is greater than 12.5 volts, the transistor T20 receives a positive control signal V + which makes it go, while the transistor T23 receives a V - null inverse control signal which blocks it.
  • the voltage at point 24 is therefore equal to the supply voltage V r to which is added the almost zero voltage between the drain and the source of transistor T25.
  • the voltage between the base and the emitter of transistor T26 is zero.
  • Transistor T26 is off. It is the same for the transistor T29.
  • the operation is as follows.
  • the transistor T20 receives on its gate a control signal V + null which blocks it, while the T23 transistor receives at its gate an inverse control signal V - positive which makes the passing.
  • the voltage at point 24 is therefore substantially zero.
  • the transistor T25 has its gate and its source substantially at the same potential and is therefore blocked.
  • Transistor T26 is turned on by the current flowing from the output line at voltage V r through resistors R28 and R27. Because of its mounting, transistor T26 behaves like a diode. It is therefore passing as soon as the voltage V r becomes greater than 0.7 volts.
  • the resistors R27 and R28 identical values equal to 100 kOhms.
  • the base of the transistor T29 is subjected to a voltage substantially equal to 0.7 volts to which is added half the difference between the voltage V r and 0.7 volts. In other words, the transistor T29 turns on as soon as the voltage V r exceeds 0.7 volts. Transistor T29 thus bypasses resistor R33. The voltage at point 30 is therefore close to zero.
  • the transistor T17 then bypasses the bipolar transistors T18 and T19 which are blocked.
  • the bipolar transistors T18 and T19 of the cascode assembly which are not yet short-circuited by the transistor T17, are naturally on.
  • the regulation device operates in division of the supply voltage, which guarantees the safety of the regulation element 1 .
  • the regulating device receives at start-up voltage V v equal to 10 volts
  • the base of transistor T18 is subjected to a voltage of the order of 5.6 volts.
  • the different transistors are not subjected to voltages greater than 15 volts.
  • the transistor T20 is connected between Vr and ground, and is subjected to maximum 12.5 volts.
  • the transistor T23 mounted between the point 24 and the ground may be subjected to a voltage slightly greater than 12.5 volts but in any case limited by the fact that the resistor R33 is of high value and will therefore tend to limit the current flowing through the transistor T25 when passing.
  • the transistor T25 when it is off is subjected to the voltage V r .
  • the transistor T26 when it is off is also subjected to the voltage V r .
  • the transistor T29 when it is off is subjected to the voltage across the resistor R33, which remains always lower than the voltage difference between V v and V r and therefore at 12.5 volts.
  • the switching control means 16 is supplied, generally, by the voltage V r limited to 12.5 volts maximum, while being able to control the gate of the transistor T 17 at a voltage of between 12.5 and 25 volts.
  • the invention it is possible to realize a voltage regulator in integrated technology, for example HF5 CMOS, Bi-CMOS not supporting high voltages, while the regulator will be able to withstand substantially higher voltages, for example double .
  • the operating speed of the switching means can be increased by reducing the value of the resistors R31 and R32, so that the gate capacitances of the MOS transistor T17 load faster.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Dc-Dc Converters (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine des régulateurs de tension, du type fournissant une tension continue constante tout en étant eux-mêmes alimentés par une tension continue susceptible de varier.The present invention relates to the field of voltage regulators, of the type providing a constant DC voltage while themselves being supplied by a DC voltage that can vary.

De façon classique, un régulateur devant fournir en sortie une tension de 3,3 volts sera alimenté avec une tension continue, par exemple comprise entre 5,1 et 9,5 volts. La limite supérieure d'alimentation d'un régulateur dépend essentiellement de la technologie des composants actifs dont il est pourvu.Conventionally, a regulator to output a voltage of 3.3 volts will be supplied with a DC voltage, for example between 5.1 and 9.5 volts. The upper limit of power supply of a regulator depends essentially on the technology of the active components of which it is provided.

Le document US 5 047 751 décrit un circuit de surveillance de la tension d'une alimentation, comprenant deux lignes d'alimentation, une source de tension de référence, deux comparateurs et un transistor de commutation monté entre les deux comparateurs. Un signal d'alarme indiquant si la tension d'alimentation est normale ou anormale est obtenu en sortie du deuxième comparateur pour protéger contre une surtension. Un tel circuit provoque la remise à zéro d'un circuit de commande auquel il est relié, ce qui se traduit par une interruption de fonctionnement.The document US 5,047,751 discloses a voltage monitoring circuit of a power supply, comprising two power supply lines, a reference voltage source, two comparators and a switching transistor mounted between the two comparators. An alarm signal indicating whether the supply voltage is normal or abnormal is obtained at the output of the second comparator to protect against overvoltage. Such a circuit causes the resetting of a control circuit to which it is connected, which results in an interruption of operation.

La présente invention a pour objet de proposer un régulateur de tension ne se détruisant pas lorsque la tension à laquelle il est soumis dépasse la tension de claquage de ses composants actifs.The object of the present invention is to propose a voltage regulator that does not destroy itself when the voltage to which it is subjected exceeds the breakdown voltage of its active components.

Le dispositif de régulation, selon l'invention, est alimenté par une tension variable Vv et est destiné à fournir une tension constante pour l'alimentation d'éléments consommateurs. Le dispositif comprend un élément de régulation fournissant en sorte une tension régulée, un moyen de comparaison de la tension variable Vv à une tension de référence Vréf, un moyen de division de la tension variable Vv par un facteur k1, et un moyen de commutation apte à alimenter l'élément de régulation par une tension Vr égale, soit à la tension variable Vv, soit à la tension variable divisée Vv/k1, le moyen de commutation étant commandé par le moyen de comparaison de façon que l'élément de régulation soit alimenté par la tension variable Vv si ladite tension variable Vv est inférieur à un seuil prédéterminé et par la tension variable divisée Vv/k1 si ladite tension variable Vv est supérieure à un seuil prédéterminé la tension variable Vv étant susceptible de prendre des valeurs supérieures à celles que sont capables de supporter les composants actifs du dispositif.The regulating device, according to the invention, is powered by a variable voltage V V and is intended to provide a constant voltage for the supply of consumer elements. The device comprises a regulating element providing a regulated voltage, a means for comparing the variable voltage V v with a reference voltage V ref , a means for dividing the variable voltage V v by a factor k 1 , and a switching means adapted to supply the regulating element with a voltage V r equal to either the variable voltage V v or the variable variable voltage V v / k 1, the switching means being controlled by the comparator means of way that the regulating element is powered by the variable voltage V v if said variable voltage V v is below a predetermined threshold and by the divided variable voltage V v / k 1 if said variable voltage V v is greater than a predetermined threshold the variable voltage V v being capable of taking values greater than those which the active components of the device are capable of supporting.

Avantageusement, le moyen de comparaison comprend un moyen de division de la tension variable Vv par un facteur k2 pour obtenir une tension de comparaison Vcomp=Vv/k2, et un amplificateur monté en comparateur recevant sur une entrée la tension de comparaison Vcomp et sur l'autre entrée la tension de référence Vréf pour émettre en sortie un signal de commande V+ commandant la mise en circuit fermé du moyen de commutation (4) entre la sortie du moyen de division (3) et l'élément de régulation (1) si la tension de comparaison Vcomp est supérieure à la tension de référence Vréf et commandant la mise en circuit fermé du moyen de commutation (4) entre l'élément de tension d'alimentation Vv et l'élément de régulation (1) si la tension de comparaison Vcomp est inférieure à la tension de référence Vréf.Advantageously, the comparison means comprises a means for dividing the variable voltage V v by a factor k 2 to obtain a comparison voltage V comp = V v / k 2 , and an amplifier mounted as a comparator receiving on an input the voltage of comparison V comp and on the other input the reference voltage V ref for outputting a control signal V + controlling the closed circuit of the switching means (4) between the output of the dividing means (3) and the regulating element (1) if the comparison voltage V comp is greater than the reference voltage V ref and controlling the closed circuit of the switching means (4) between the supply voltage element V v and the regulating element (1) if the comparison voltage V comp is lower than the reference voltage V ref .

Le dispositif peut comprendre un inverseur monté à la sortie de l'amplificateur pour obtenir un signal de commande inverse V_. Le moyen de division par le facteur k2 peut comprendre au moins deux résistances montées en série entre la tension variable Vv et la masse.The device may comprise an inverter mounted at the output of the amplifier to obtain an inverse control signal V_. The division means by the factor k 2 may comprise at least two resistors connected in series between the variable voltage V v and the ground.

Le moyen de division par le facteur k1 peut comprendre au moins deux résistances montées en série entre la tension variable Vv et la masse.The dividing means by the factor k 1 may comprise at least two resistors connected in series between the variable voltage V v and the ground.

Le moyen de division par le facteur k1 et le moyen de division par le facteur k2 peuvent comprendre au moins une résistance commune.The dividing means by the factor k 1 and the dividing means by the factor k 2 may comprise at least one common resistor.

Avantageusement, le moyen de commutation comprend un premier transistor dont une borne est connectée à l'entrée du dit moyen de commutation et voit la tension variable Vv, une autre borne est connectée à la sortie du dit moyen de commutation et voit la tension Vr, et une borne de commande reliée à un moyen de commande générant une tension apte à rendre le premier transistor passant si la condition de tension n'est pas satisfaite ou bloqué si la condition de tension est satisfaite. Le premier transistor peut être de type MOS.Advantageously, the switching means comprises a first transistor whose terminal is connected to the input of said switching means and sees the variable voltage V V , another terminal is connected to the output of said switching means and sees the voltage V r , and a control terminal connected to a control means generating a voltage adapted to make the first transistor passing if the voltage condition is not satisfied or blocked if the voltage condition is satisfied. The first transistor may be of the MOS type.

Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le moyen de commutation comprend au moins un deuxième transistor dont une borne est connectée à l'entrée du dit moyen de commutation et voit la tension variable Vv, une autre borne est connectée à la sortie du dit moyen de commutation et voit la tension Vr, et une borne de commande voit une tension de commande égale à la tension variable divisée Vv/k1 apte à bloquer le deuxième transistor si la condition de tension n'est pas satisfaite et à le rendre passant si la condition de tension est satisfaite de façon que la tension Vr soit égale à la tension variable divisée Vv/k1.In one embodiment of the invention, the switching means comprises at least one second transistor, one terminal of which is connected to the input of said switching means and sees the variable voltage V V , another terminal is connected to the output of said switching means and sees the voltage V r , and a control terminal sees a control voltage equal to the divided variable voltage V v / k 1 able to block the second transistor if the voltage condition is not satisfied and to turn it on if the voltage condition is satisfied so that the voltage V r is equal to the divided variable voltage V v / k 1 .

Le deuxième transistor peut être remplacé par un montage cascode de plusieurs transistors, par exemple bipolaires, pour fournir plus de courant en sortie du moyen de commutation.The second transistor can be replaced by an assembly cascode of several transistors, for example bipolar, to provide more current at the output of the switching means.

Avantageusement, le moyen de commande du premier transistor comprend un troisième transistor commandé par une tension de sortie du moyen de comparaison et un quatrième transistor commandé par l'inverse de la dite tension de sortie du moyen de comparaison, le troisième transistor étant connecté par une borne à la masse et par une autre borne à la sortie du moyen de commutation voyant la tension Vr par l'intermédiaire de deux résistances R21 et R22 en série, le point commun auxdites deux résistances voyant la tension Vr si la condition de tension n'est pas satisfaite et une tension égale à Vr *R21/(R21+R22) si la condition de tension est satisfaite. Le quatrième transistor est connecté par une borne à la masse et par une autre borne à la sortie du moyen de commutation par l'intermédiaire d'un cinquième transistor dont la borne de commande est connectée au point commun aux dites deux résistances, le cinquième transistor étant passant si la condition de tension est satisfaite et bloqué si la condition de tension n'est pas satisfaite, de façon que le point commun aux quatrième et cinquième transistors voit une tension sensiblement nulle si la condition de tension n'est pas satisfaite et au moins égale à la tension Vr si la condition de tension est satisfaite. Les troisième et quatrième transistors peuvent être du type MOS avec leur source mise à la masse. Le cinquième transistor peut être du type MOS avec la source soumise à la tension Vr.Advantageously, the control means of the first transistor comprises a third transistor controlled by an output voltage of the comparison means and a fourth transistor controlled by the inverse of the said output voltage of the comparison means, the third transistor being connected by a grounded and by another terminal at the output of the switching means seeing the voltage V r through two resistors R21 and R22 in series, the point common to said two resistors seeing the voltage V r if the voltage condition is not satisfied and a voltage equal to V r * R21 / (R21 + R22) if the voltage condition is satisfied. The fourth transistor is connected by a terminal to the ground and by another terminal to the output of the switching means via a fifth transistor whose control terminal is connected to the point common to said two resistors, the fifth transistor being on if the voltage condition is satisfied and off if the voltage condition is not satisfied, so that the common point at the fourth and fifth transistors sees a substantially zero voltage if the voltage condition is not satisfied and at less than the voltage V r if the voltage condition is satisfied. The third and fourth transistors may be of the MOS type with their source grounded. The fifth transistor may be of the MOS type with the source under the voltage V r.

Avantageusement, le moyen de commande du premier transistor comprend, en outre, un sixième transistor pourvu d'une borne connectée au point commun aux quatrième et cinquième transistors, l'autre borne et la borne de commande étant court-circuitées et reliées à la sortie du moyen de commutation voyant la tension Vr par l'intermédiaire de deux résistances R27 et R28 en série, le sixième transistor étant passant si la condition de tension n'est pas satisfaite et bloqué si la condition de tension est satisfaite, le point commun aux dites deux résistances R27 et R28 voyant la tension Vr *R27/(R27+R28) si la condition de tension n'est pas satisfaite et la tension Vr si la condition de tension est satisfaite. Un septième transistor est pourvu d'une borne de commande connectée au point commun aux dites deux résistances R27 et R28, d'une borne connectée au point commun aux quatrième et cinquième transistors, et d'une autre borne connectée au point commun aux quatrième et cinquième transistors par l'intermédiaire d'une résistance R33, l'autre borne du septième transistor étant également connectée à la borne de commande du premier transistor du moyen de commutation par l'intermédiaire d'une résistance R32, une résistance R31 reliant la borne de commande du premier transistor et l'entrée du moyen de commutation voyant la tension variable Vv, de façon que le septième transistor soit passant si la condition de tension n'est pas satisfaite, la borne de commande du premier transistor étant soumise à une tension sensiblement égale à Vv*R32/(R31+R32) apte à le rendre passant, et que le septième transistor soit bloqué si la condition de tension est satisfaite, la borne de commande du premier transistor étant soumise à une tension sensiblement égale à Vv apte à le bloquer.Advantageously, the control means of the first transistor further comprises a sixth transistor provided with a terminal connected to the common point at the fourth and fifth transistors, the other terminal and the control terminal being short-circuited and connected to the output. of the switching means seeing the voltage V r via two resistors R27 and R28 in series, the sixth transistor being on if the voltage condition is not satisfied and blocked if the voltage condition is satisfied, the common point said two resistors R27 and R28 seeing the voltage V r * R27 / (R27 + R28) if the voltage condition is not satisfied and the voltage V r if the voltage condition is satisfied. A seventh transistor is provided with a control terminal connected to the point common to said two resistors R27 and R28, a terminal connected to the common point at the fourth and fifth transistors, and another terminal connected to the common point at the fourth and fifth transistors via a resistor R33, the other terminal of the seventh transistor being also connected to the control terminal of the first transistor of the switching means via a resistor R32, a resistor R31 connecting the control terminal of the first transistor and the input of the switching means seeing the variable voltage V v , so that the seventh transistor is passing if the voltage condition is not satisfied, the control terminal of the first transistor being subjected to a voltage substantially equal to V V * R32 / (R31 + R32) able to make it go, and that the seventh transistor is blocked if the voltage condition is satisfied, the control terminal of the first transistor being subjected to a voltage substantially equal to V v able to block it.

Le sixième transistor peut être de type bipolaire à collecteur et base court-circuités. Le septième transistor peut être de type bipolaire avec le collecteur relié au point commun aux résistances R32 et R33.The sixth transistor can be bipolar type collector and base short-circuited. The seventh transistor can be of bipolar type with the collector connected to the point common to the resistors R32 and R33.

A titre d'exemple, un régulateur peut être réalisé en technologie HF5 CMOS pour laquelle la tension de claquage se situe aux alentours de 15 volts. Le principe général est de détecter la tension appliquée par rapport à un seuil de 12,5 volts au moyen d'un pont résistif et d'un comparateur et de commuter la structure de régulation en maintenant un fonctionnement normal si la tension est inférieure à 12 volts et en divisant la tension appliquée si elle est supérieure à 12 volts. Ainsi, non seulement le régulateur est protégé contre la destruction en cas de tension d'alimentation trop forte, mais encore le régulateur continue à fonctionner de façon satisfaisante à une tension supérieure à la tension de claquage. Le régulateur est conçu de façon qu'aucun de ses composants susceptibles de claquer aux alentours de 15 volts ne soit soumis à une telle tension.By way of example, a regulator can be produced using HF5 CMOS technology for which the breakdown voltage is around 15 volts. The general principle is to detect the applied voltage with respect to a threshold of 12.5 volts by means of a resistive bridge and a comparator and to switch the regulating structure maintaining normal operation if the voltage is less than 12 volts and dividing the applied voltage if it is greater than 12 volts. Thus, not only the regulator is protected against destruction in case of excessive supply voltage, but the regulator continues to operate satisfactorily at a voltage greater than the breakdown voltage. The regulator is designed so that none of its components likely to snap around 15 volts is subjected to such a voltage.

L'invention a également pour objet un procédé de régulation destiné à fournir une tension constante pour l'alimentation d'éléments consommateurs à partir d'une tension variable Vv, procédé dans lequel on compare la tension variable Vv à une tension de référence Vréf, on divise la tension variable Vv par un facteur k1, et on alimente l'élément de régulation par une tension Vr égale soit à la tension variable Vv, soit à la tension variable divisée Vv/k1 par commutation entre les deux tensions, la commutation étant commandée en fonction de la comparaison de façon que l'élément de régulation soit alimenté par la tension variable Vv si une condition de tension n'est pas satisfaite et par la tension variable divisée Vv/k1 si la condition de tension est satisfaite, la tension variable Vv étant susceptible de prendre des valeurs supérieures à celles que sont capables de supporter les composants actifs du dispositif.The invention also relates to a control method for providing a constant voltage for supplying consumer elements from a variable voltage V v, in which process it compares the variable voltage V v with a reference voltage V ref , the variable voltage V v is divided by a factor k 1 , and the regulation element is supplied with a voltage V r equal to either the variable voltage V v or the variable voltage divided V v / k 1 by switching between the two voltages, the switching being controlled according to the comparison so that the regulating element is powered by the variable voltage V v if a voltage condition is not and satisfied by the variable voltage divided V v / k 1 if the voltage condition is satisfied, the variable voltage V v is likely to take values higher than those that are able to support the active components of the device.

L'invention s'applique au domaine automobile, en particulier pour les sacs gonflables de sécurité. Ainsi, on peut réaliser un régulateur supportant une tension d'alimentation supérieure à celle permise normalement par la technologie utilisée, ce qui présente de nombreux avantages en termes de choix de technologie, de réduction de la surface de silicium utilisée et d'optimisation. En effet, dans le cas d'une automobile, le régulateur est normalement alimenté à partir d'une batterie d'un alternateur fonctionnant en 12 volts. Toutefois, en cas de débranchement de la batterie, la tension de sortie de l'alternateur risque d'atteindre des valeurs beaucoup plus élevées. Le réseau électrique du véhicule est également soumis au rayonnement dû à la haute tension utilisée par les bougies d'allumage du moteur. Il en résulte qu'un régulateur monté dans une automobile doit être apte à supporter des tensions allant jusqu'à 25 volts.The invention applies to the automotive field, in particular for air bags. Thus, it is possible to realize a regulator supporting a supply voltage higher than that normally permitted by the technology used, which has many advantages in terms of choice of technology, reduction of the silicon surface used and optimization. Indeed, in the case of an automobile, the regulator is normally powered from a battery of an alternator operating at 12 volts. However, if the battery is disconnected, the output voltage of the alternator may reach much higher values. The vehicle's electrical network is also subject to radiation due to the high voltage used by the engine spark plugs. As a result, a regulator mounted in an automobile must be able to withstand voltages of up to 25 volts.

La présente invention sera mieux comprise à l'étude de la description détaillée d'un mode de réalisation pris à titre d'exemple nullement limitatif et illustré par les dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est un schéma de principe du dispositif de régulation conforme à l'invention;
  • la figure 2 est un schéma général du moyen de comparaison; et
  • la figure 3 est un schéma du moyen de commutation.
The present invention will be better understood on studying the detailed description of an embodiment taken by way of nonlimiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 is a block diagram of the control device according to the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a general diagram of the means of comparison; and
  • the figure 3 is a diagram of the switching means.

Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 1, le dispositif de régulation comprend un élément de régulation 1 de type classique, alimenté par une tension continue susceptible de varier entre 5,1 et 12,5 volts et fournissant en sortie une tension régulée de 3,3 volts. Le dispositif de régulation comprend également un module de référence 2 fournissant à l'élément de régulation une tension de référence, lui permettant d'élaborer la tension régulée.As can be seen on the figure 1 , the regulating device comprises a regulating element 1 of conventional type, powered by a DC voltage likely to vary between 5.1 and 12.5 volts and outputting a regulated voltage of 3.3 volts. The regulating device also comprises a reference module 2 supplying the regulation element with a reference voltage, enabling it to develop the regulated voltage.

Le dispositif de régulation comprend un moyen de division 3 de la tension d'alimentation Vv, celle-ci étant comprise entre 5,1 et 25 volts. Dans l'exemple illustré, le moyen de division 3 divise la tension d'alimentation par deux. Le dispositif de régulation comprend aussi un moyen de commutation 4 dont une entrée est reliée directement à la tension d'alimentation Vv comprise entre 5,1 et 25 volts, une autre entrée est reliée à la sortie du moyen de division 3 et voit une tension Vr comprise entre 5,1 et 12,5 volts, la sortie alimente l'élément de régulation 1 et une entrée de commande reçoit une consigne en provenance d'un moyen de comparaison 5. Le moyen de comparaison 5 comprend un amplificateur 6 monté en comparateur dont la borne négative reçoit une tension de référence Vréf en provenance du module de référence 2, dont la borne positive reçoit une tension Vcomp proportionnelle à la tension d'alimentation Vv par l'intermédiaire de deux résistances 7 et 8 montées en série entre l'alimentation de tension comprise entre 5,1 et 25 volts et la masse, la borne positive de l'amplificateur 6 étant reliée au point commun entre les deux résistances 7 et 8. La sortie de l'amplificateur 6 est reliée à l'entrée de commande du moyen de commutation 4.The control device comprises a dividing means 3 of the supply voltage V v , the latter being between 5.1 and 25 volts. In the example shown, the dividing means 3 divides the supply voltage by two. The regulating device also comprises a switch means 4 having an input connected directly to the supply voltage V v between 5.1 and 25 volts, another input is connected to the output of the dividing means 3 and sees a voltage V r between 5.1 and 12.5 volts, the output supplies the regulation element 1 and a control input receives a reference from a comparison means 5. The comparison means 5 comprises an amplifier 6 mounted in a comparator whose negative terminal receives a reference voltage V ref coming from the reference module 2, whose positive terminal receives a voltage V comp proportional to the supply voltage V v via two resistors 7 and 8 series connected between the voltage supply between 5.1 and 25 volts and the ground, the positive terminal of the amplifier 6 being connected to the common point between the two resistors 7 and 8. The output of the amplifier 6 is connected to the control input of the switching means 4.

Dans le cas de la figure 1, on voit que le moyen de commutation 4 alimente l'élément de régulation 1 directement avec la tension d'alimentation Vv. Ceci provient du fait que la tension d'alimentation Vv est inférieure à 12,5 volts. Si la tension d'alimentation est supérieure à 12,5 volts, l'amplificateur 6 émet en sortie une consigne opposée. Le moyen de commutation 4 alimente alors l'élément de régulation 1 à partir de la tension divisée Vr fournie par le moyen de division 3. Ainsi, l'élément de régulation 1 voit toujours en entrée une tension inférieure ou égale à 12,5 volts, tandis que le dispositif de régulation dans son ensemble voit une tension d'alimentation inférieure ou égale à 25 volts.In the case of figure 1 it can be seen that the switching means 4 supplies the regulating element 1 directly with the supply voltage V v . This is because the supply voltage V v is less than 12.5 volts. If the supply voltage is greater than 12.5 volts, the amplifier 6 outputs an opposite instruction. The switching means 4 then feeds the regulating element 1 from the divided voltage V r supplied by the dividing means 3. Thus, the regulating element 1 always sees at input a voltage less than or equal to 12.5 volts, while the regulator as a whole sees a supply voltage less than or equal to 25 volts.

Sur la figure 2, on voit que le module 9 qui regroupe le moyen de division 3 et le moyen de commutation 4, est relié non seulement à la sortie de l'amplificateur 6 par lequel il reçoit un signal de commande noté V+ par l'intermédiaire du conducteur 10. Mais, le module 9 reçoit également un signal de commande inverse V- que l'on obtient grâce à un inverseur 11 recevant en entrée le signal de commande V+. La tension de comparaison Vcomp est fournie à la borne négative de l'amplificateur 6 par le module 9, les résistances permettant d'obtenir la tension de comparaison Vcomp pouvant également être intégrées dans le module 9. Le détail du module 9 est illustré sur la figure 3.On the figure 2 it can be seen that the module 9, which groups the dividing means 3 and the switching means 4, is not only connected to the output of the amplifier 6 by which it receives a control signal denoted V + via the driver 10. However, the module 9 also receives a reverse command signal V - which is obtained by means of an inverter 11 receiving as input the control signal V + . The comparison voltage V comp is supplied to the negative terminal of the amplifier 6 by the module 9, the resistors making it possible to obtain the comparison voltage V comp which can also be integrated in the module 9. The detail of the module 9 is illustrated on the figure 3 .

Pour faciliter la compréhension, on peut considérer que le module 9 est divisé en trois parties possédant des fonctionnalités différentes et séparées par des traits mixtes. Le moyen de division 3 est formé par trois résistances R12, R13 et R14 disposées en série entre une ligne fournissant la tension d'alimentation variable Vv comprise entre 5,1 et 25 volts et la ligne de masse, étant entendu que la masse peut être flottante, c'est-à-dire que la tension Vv s'entend prise par rapport à la masse.For ease of understanding, it can be considered that the module 9 is divided into three parts having different functionalities and separated by mixed lines. The dividing means 3 is formed by three resistors R12, R13 and R14 arranged in series between a line providing the variable supply voltage V v between 5.1 and 25 volts and the ground line, it being understood that the mass can to be floating, that is to say that the voltage V v is taken in relation to the mass.

La tension de comparaison Vcomp est prélevée au point commun entre les résistances R13 et R14 et une tension divisée Vd est prélevée au point commun entre les résistances R12 et R13. On a donc Vcomp = Vv * R14/(R12 + R13 + R14) et Vd = Vv * (R13 + R14)/(R12 + R13 + R14). En d'autres termes, on a k1 =( R13 + R14)/(R12 + R13 + R14) et k2 = R14/(R12 + R13 + R14). A titre d'exemple, on peut prendre R12 = 55 kOhms, R13 = 45 kOhms et R14 = 25 kOhms d'où il découle que Vcomp est inférieur ou égal à 5 volts et que Vd est inférieur ou égal à 14 volts.The comparison voltage V comp is taken at the common point between the resistors R13 and R14 and a divided voltage V d is taken at the common point between the resistors R12 and R13. We thus have V comp = V v * R14 / (R12 + R13 + R14) and V d = V v * (R13 + R14) / (R12 + R13 + R14). In other words, we have k 1 = (R13 + R14) / (R12 + R13 + R14) and k 2 = R14 / (R12 + R13 + R14). For example, we can take R12 = 55 kOhms, R13 = 45 kOhms and R14 = 25 kOhms from which it follows that V comp is less than or equal to 5 volts and V d is less than or equal to 14 volts.

Le reste du module 9 forme le moyen de commutation 4 et peut être divisé en une partie de commutation 15 et une partie de commande de commutation 16.The remainder of the module 9 forms the switching means 4 and can be divided into a switching part 15 and a switching control part 16.

La partie de commutation 15 comprend un premier transistor T17 de type MOS dont la source est reliée à l'alimentation sous la tension Vv, dont le drain est relié à la sortie du module 9 qui fournit à l'élément de régulation 1 de la figure 1 une tension d'alimentation Vr inférieure ou égale à 12,5 volts et dont la grille reçoit un signal de commande en provenance de la partie de commande de commutation 16 qui sera décrite plus loin. La partie de commutation 15 comprend également un second transistor T18 de type bipolaire PNP dont le collecteur est relié à la ligne d'alimentation sous la tension Vv, dont la base est reliée au point commun aux résistances R12 et R13 et voit la tension Vd et dont l'émetteur est ici relié à un transistor bipolaire supplémentaire T19 formant un montage cascode pour pouvoir fournir un fort courant de sortie sous la tension Vr. Si le courant de sortie exigé est plus faible, la présence du transistor supplémentaire T19 n'est pas nécessaire. Le transistor T19, de type NPN, a son collecteur relié à la ligne d'alimentation sous la tension Vv, sa base reliée à l'émetteur du transistor T18 et son émetteur relié à la ligne de sortie de la tension Vr.The switching part 15 comprises a first MOS-type transistor T17 whose source is connected to the power supply under the voltage V v , the drain of which is connected to the output of the module 9 which supplies the control element 1 of the figure 1 a supply voltage V r less than or equal to 12.5 volts and whose gate receives a control signal from the switching control part 16 which will be described later. The switching part 15 also comprises a second PNP bipolar transistor T18 whose collector is connected to the supply line under the voltage V v , the base of which is connected to the point common to the resistors R12 and R13 and sees the voltage V d and whose emitter is here connected to a further bipolar transistor T19 forming a cascode arrangement to be able to provide a high output current under the voltage V r. If the required output current is lower, the presence of the transistor additional T19 is not necessary. The NPN transistor T19 has its collector connected to the supply line under the voltage V v , its base connected to the emitter of the transistor T18 and its emitter connected to the output line of the voltage V r .

On voit donc que si le transistor T17 est passant, on a Vr = Vv et les deux transistors bipolaires T18 et T19 sont court-circuités et donc bloqués. Au contraire, si le transistor T17 est bloqué, la tension à l'émetteur du transistor T19 est inférieure ou égale à 12,5 volts. Dès que la différence entre les tensions Vd et Vr devient suffisante pour rendre passants les transistors T18 et T19, c'est-à-dire supérieure ou égale à 1,4 volts en général, les transistors T18 et T19 deviennent passants. On obtient ainsi une tension Vr qui est égale à la tension Vd aux tensions base-émetteur des transistors T18 et T19 près. Plus précisément, on a Vr = Vd - VBET18 - VBET19. Par exemple, si à ce moment Vv = 25 volts, on a Vd = 14 volts et Vr sensiblement égal à 12,5 volts. Pour augmenter la tension de claquage des transistors T17, T18 et T19, on prévoit de les réaliser en caisson isolé. Toutefois, on remarque que la tension maximale que voient ces transistors est égale à Vv - Vr et ne dépasse donc pas 12,5 volts.It can thus be seen that if the transistor T17 is conducting, then V r = V v and the two bipolar transistors T18 and T19 are short-circuited and thus blocked. On the contrary, if the transistor T17 is off, the voltage at the emitter of the transistor T19 is less than or equal to 12.5 volts. As soon as the difference between the voltages V d and V r becomes sufficient to pass transistors T18 and T19, that is to say greater than or equal to 1.4 volts in general, the transistors T18 and T19 become on. A voltage V r is thus obtained which is equal to the voltage V d at the base-emitter voltages of the transistors T18 and T19. More precisely, we have V r = V d - V BET18 - V BET19 . For example, if at this time V v = 25 volts, there is V d = 14 volts and V r substantially equal to 12.5 volts. To increase the breakdown voltage of transistors T17, T18 and T19, provision is made to make them in isolated box. However, it is noted that the maximum voltage seen by these transistors is equal to V v - V r and therefore does not exceed 12.5 volts.

La partie de commande de commutation 16 sert à générer le signal de commande de la grille du transistor T17 de façon que ledit transistor T17 soit bloqué si la tension variable Vv est supérieure à 12,5 volts et soit passant dans les autres cas. La partie de commande de commutation reçoit le signal de commande V+ et le signal de commande inverse V- en provenance du moyen de comparaison 5 illustré sur la figure 1.The switching control portion 16 serves to generate the gate control signal of the transistor T17 so that said transistor T17 is turned off if the variable voltage V v is greater than 12.5 volts and is passing in other cases. The switching control portion receives the control signal V + and the inverse control signal V - from the comparison means 5 illustrated in FIG. figure 1 .

La partie de commande de commutation 16 comprend un transistor MOS T20 dont la source est connectée à la masse, dont la grille reçoit le signal de commande V+ et dont le drain est connecté à la ligne de sortie sous la tension Vr par l'intermédiaire de deux résistances en série R21 et R22.The switching control portion 16 comprises an MOS transistor T20 whose source is connected to ground, whose gate receives the control signal V + and whose drain is connected to the output line under the voltage V r by the intermediate of two resistors in series R21 and R22.

La partie de commande de commutation 16 comprend un transistor MOS T23 du même type que le précédent dont la source est reliée à la masse, dont la grille reçoit le signal de commande inverse V- et dont le drain est relié à un point référencé 24. Un transistor MOS T25 a son drain relié au point 24, sa source reliée à la ligne de sortie sous la tension Vr et sa grille reliée au point commun entre les résistances R21 et R22.The switching control portion 16 comprises a T23 MOS transistor of the same type as the previous one whose source is connected to ground, whose gate receives the inverse control signal V - and whose drain is connected to a point referenced 24. A MOS transistor T25 has its drain connected to point 24, its source connected to the output line under voltage V r and its gate connected to the common point between the resistors R21 and R22.

Un transistor bipolaire de type NPN T26 a son émetteur relié au point 24 et sa base et son collecteur court-circuités et reliés à la ligne de sortie sous la tension Vr par l'intermédiaire de deux résistances R27 et R28. Un transistor bipolaire T29 de type NPN a son émetteur relié au point 24, sa base reliée au point commun entre les résistances R27 et R28 et son collecteur relié à un point référencé 30.An NPN T26 type bipolar transistor has its emitter connected to the point 24 and its base and its collector short-circuited and connected to the output line under the voltage V r via two resistors R27 and R28. A bipolar transistor T29 of the NPN type has its emitter connected to the point 24, its base connected to the common point between the resistors R27 and R28 and its collector connected to a point referenced 30.

Trois résistances en série, R31, R32 et R33 sont disposées entre la ligne d'entrée sous la tension variable Vv et le point 24. Le point 30 est le point commun entre les résistances R32 et R33. En d'autres termes, le transistor T29 est apte à court-circuiter la résistance R33 lorsqu'il est passant. Le point commun entre les résistances R31 et R32 est relié à la grille du transistor T17 de la partie de commutation 15 et lui fournit donc le signal de commande.Three resistors in series, R31, R32 and R33 are arranged between the input line under the variable voltage V v and the point 24. The point 30 is the common point between the resistors R32 and R33. In other words, the transistor T29 is able to short-circuit the resistor R33 when it is conducting. The common point between the resistors R31 and R32 is connected to the gate of the transistor T17 of the switching part 15 and therefore provides it with the control signal.

Le fonctionnement de la partie de commande de commutation 16 est le suivant. Si la tension Vv est supérieure à 12,5 volts, le transistor T20 reçoit un signal de commande V+ positif qui le rend passant, tandis que le transistor T23 reçoit un signal de commande inverse V- nul qui le bloque. La grille du transistor T25 est soumise à une tension nettement inférieure à la tension Vr sur sa source. A cet effet, on peut prendre R21 = 150 kOhms et R22 = 100 kOhms. La tension au point 24 est donc égale à la tension d'alimentation Vr à laquelle se rajoute la tension quasi nulle entre le drain et la source du transistor T25. La tension entre la base et l'émetteur du transistor T26 est nulle. Le transistor T26 est bloqué. Il en est de même pour le transistor T29. Il en résulte qu'un courant circule entre la ligne d'entrée à la tension Vv et le point 24 par l'intermédiaires des résistances R31, R32 et R33. Toutefois, on choisit pour la résistance R31 une valeur faible par rapport à la résistance R33, par exemple de l'ordre de 10%, de façon que la tension sur la grille du transistor T 17 soit élevée et très proche de la tension variable Vv. On obtient ainsi le blocage du transistor T17. A titre d'exemple, on peut prendre R31 = 30 kOhms, R32 = 45 kOhms et R33 = 300 kOhms.The operation of the switching control part 16 is as follows. If the voltage V v is greater than 12.5 volts, the transistor T20 receives a positive control signal V + which makes it go, while the transistor T23 receives a V - null inverse control signal which blocks it. The gate of transistor T25 is subjected to a voltage much lower than the voltage V r on its source. For this purpose, we can take R21 = 150 kOhms and R22 = 100 kOhms. The voltage at point 24 is therefore equal to the supply voltage V r to which is added the almost zero voltage between the drain and the source of transistor T25. The voltage between the base and the emitter of transistor T26 is zero. Transistor T26 is off. It is the same for the transistor T29. As a result, a current flows between the input line at the voltage V v and the point 24 via the resistors R31, R32 and R33. However, for the resistor R31, a low value is chosen relative to the resistor R33, for example of the order of 10%, so that the voltage on the gate of the transistor T 17 is high and very close to the variable voltage V v . This gives the blocking of the transistor T17. By way of example, R31 = 30 kOhms, R32 = 45 kOhms and R33 = 300 kOhms can be used.

Dans l'autre cas à envisager, si la tension Vv est inférieure ou égale à 12,5 volts, le fonctionnement est le suivant. Le transistor T20 reçoit sur sa grille un signal de commande V+ nul qui le bloque, tandis que le transistor T23 reçoit sur sa grille un signal de commande inverse V- positif qui le rend passant. La tension au point 24 est donc sensiblement nulle. Le transistor T25 a sa grille et sa source sensiblement au même potentiel et est donc bloqué. Le transistor T26 est rendu passant grâce au courant circulant à partir de la ligne de sortie à la tension Vr par les résistances R28 et R27. En raison de son montage, le transistor T26 se comporte comme une diode. Il est donc passant dès que la tension Vr devient supérieure à 0,7 volt.In the other case to consider, if the voltage V v is less than or equal to 12.5 volts, the operation is as follows. The transistor T20 receives on its gate a control signal V + null which blocks it, while the T23 transistor receives at its gate an inverse control signal V - positive which makes the passing. The voltage at point 24 is therefore substantially zero. The transistor T25 has its gate and its source substantially at the same potential and is therefore blocked. Transistor T26 is turned on by the current flowing from the output line at voltage V r through resistors R28 and R27. Because of its mounting, transistor T26 behaves like a diode. It is therefore passing as soon as the voltage V r becomes greater than 0.7 volts.

A titre d'exemple, on peut choisir pour les résistances R27 et R28 des valeurs identiques égales à 100 kOhms. La base du transistor T29 est soumise à une tension sensiblement égale à 0,7 volt à laquelle se rajoute la moitié de la différence entre la tension Vr et 0,7 volt. En d'autres termes, le transistor T29 devient passant dès que la tension Vr dépasse 0,7 volt. Le transistor T29 court-circuite ainsi la résistance R33. La tension au point 30 est donc proche de zéro. La tension à la grille du transistor T17 est sensiblement égale à Vv * R32/(R31 + R32) = 0,4 * Vv, ce qui est suffisant pour rendre le transistor T17 passant même si la tension Vv se rapproche de son seuil de 5,1 volt. Le transistor T17 court-circuite alors les transistors bipolaires T18 et T19 qui se bloquent.For example, one can choose for the resistors R27 and R28 identical values equal to 100 kOhms. The base of the transistor T29 is subjected to a voltage substantially equal to 0.7 volts to which is added half the difference between the voltage V r and 0.7 volts. In other words, the transistor T29 turns on as soon as the voltage V r exceeds 0.7 volts. Transistor T29 thus bypasses resistor R33. The voltage at point 30 is therefore close to zero. The voltage at the gate of the transistor T17 is substantially equal to V V * R32 / (R31 + R32) = 0.4 * V v , which is sufficient to make the transistor T17 turn on even if the voltage V v approaches its threshold of 5.1 volts. The transistor T17 then bypasses the bipolar transistors T18 and T19 which are blocked.

Au démarrage, même si la tension variable Vv est inférieure à 12,5 volts, les transistors bipolaires T18 et T19 du montage cascode, qui ne sont pas encore court-circuités par le transistor T17, sont naturellement passants. Ainsi, dans le court intervalle de temps entre l'application de la tension Vv et la commutation du transistor T17, le dispositif de régulation fonctionne en division de la tension d'alimentation, ce qui garantit la sécurité de l'élément de régulation 1.At start-up, even if the variable voltage V v is less than 12.5 volts, the bipolar transistors T18 and T19 of the cascode assembly, which are not yet short-circuited by the transistor T17, are naturally on. Thus, in the short time interval between the application of the voltage V v and the switching of the transistor T17, the regulation device operates in division of the supply voltage, which guarantees the safety of the regulation element 1 .

A titre d'exemple, si le dispositif de régulation reçoit au démarrage une tension Vv égale à 10 volts, la base du transistor T18 est soumise à une tension de l'ordre de 5,6 volts. Il en résulte que les transistors T18 et T19 conduisent, ce qui permet d'avoir Vr = 4,2 volts environ sur la ligne de sortie, provoquant la polarisation des transistors T20, T23, T25, T26, T29 et l'émission d'un signal de commande sur la grille du transistor T17 apte à le rendre passant et à court-circuiter les transistors T18 et T19, de façon que la tension Vr atteigne la valeur de 10 volts.For example, if the regulating device receives at start-up voltage V v equal to 10 volts, the base of transistor T18 is subjected to a voltage of the order of 5.6 volts. As a result, the transistors T18 and T19 conduct, which makes it possible to have V r = 4.2 volts approximately on the output line, causing the polarization of the transistors T20, T23, T25, T26, T29 and the emission of a control signal on the gate of the transistor T17 able to turn it on and short-circuit the transistors T18 and T19, so that the voltage V r reaches the value of 10 volts.

On remarque également que les différents transistors ne sont pas soumis à des tensions supérieures à 15 volts. En effet, le transistor T20 est monté entre Vr et la masse et est soumis au maximum à 12,5 volts. Le transistor T23 monté entre le point 24 et la masse peut être soumis à une tension très légèrement supérieure à 12,5 volts mais de toutes façons limitée par le fait que la résistance R33 est de forte valeur et tendra donc à limiter le courant traversant le transistor T25 lorsqu'il est passant. Le transistor T25 lorsqu'il est bloqué est soumis à la tension Vr. Le transistor T26 lorsqu'il est bloqué est également soumis à la tension Vr. Le transistor T29 lorsqu'il est bloqué est soumis à la tension aux bornes de la résistance R33, qui reste toujours inférieure à la différence de tension entre Vv et Vr et donc à 12,5 volts.Note also that the different transistors are not subjected to voltages greater than 15 volts. In fact, the transistor T20 is connected between Vr and ground, and is subjected to maximum 12.5 volts. The transistor T23 mounted between the point 24 and the ground may be subjected to a voltage slightly greater than 12.5 volts but in any case limited by the fact that the resistor R33 is of high value and will therefore tend to limit the current flowing through the transistor T25 when passing. The transistor T25 when it is off is subjected to the voltage V r . The transistor T26 when it is off is also subjected to the voltage V r . The transistor T29 when it is off is subjected to the voltage across the resistor R33, which remains always lower than the voltage difference between V v and V r and therefore at 12.5 volts.

Ainsi, le moyen de commande de commutation 16 est alimenté, de façon générale, par la tension Vr limitée à 12,5 volts maximum, tout en étant apte à commander la grille du transistor T 17 à une tension comprise entre 12,5 et 25 volts.Thus, the switching control means 16 is supplied, generally, by the voltage V r limited to 12.5 volts maximum, while being able to control the gate of the transistor T 17 at a voltage of between 12.5 and 25 volts.

Grâce à l'invention, on peut réaliser un régulateur de tension en technologie intégrée, par exemple HF5 CMOS, Bi-CMOS ne supportant pas des tensions élevées, tandis que le régulateur sera apte à supporter des tensions nettement plus fortes, par exemple du double.Thanks to the invention, it is possible to realize a voltage regulator in integrated technology, for example HF5 CMOS, Bi-CMOS not supporting high voltages, while the regulator will be able to withstand substantially higher voltages, for example double .

Ainsi, on peut utiliser des technologies d'intégration économiques et permettant des vitesses de fonctionnement élevées tout en ayant un régulateur compatible avec un environnement difficile susceptible de fortes surtensions.Thus, economical integration technologies and high operating speeds can be used while having a regulator compatible with a difficult environment susceptible to strong overvoltages.

Il est à remarquer que l'on peut augmenter la vitesse de fonctionnement du moyen de commutation en réduisant la valeur des résistances R31 et R32, de façon que les capacités de grille du transistor MOS T17 se chargent plus rapidement.It should be noted that the operating speed of the switching means can be increased by reducing the value of the resistors R31 and R32, so that the gate capacitances of the MOS transistor T17 load faster.

Claims (10)

  1. Regulating device supplied with a variable voltage Vv and intended to deliver a constant voltage for supplying consumer elements, the device comprising a regulating element (1) outputting a regulated voltage, characterized in that it comprises a means (5) for comparing the variable voltage Vv with a reference voltage Vref, a means (3) for dividing the variable voltage Vv by a factor k1, and a switching means (4) able to supply the regulating element with a voltage Vr equal either to the variable voltage Vv, or to the divided variable voltage Vv/k1, the switching means being controlled by the comparison means in such a way that the regulating element is supplied with the variable voltage Vv if said variable voltage Vv is less than a predetermined threshold and with the divided variable voltage Vv/k1 if said variable voltage Vv is greater than a predetermined threshold, the variable voltage Vv being prone to take values greater than those which the active components of the device are capable of supporting.
  2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the comparison means comprises a means for dividing the variable voltage Vv by a factor k2 so as to obtain a comparison voltage Vcomp = Vv/k2, and an amplifier (6) arranged as a comparator receiving on one input the comparison voltage Vcomp and on the other input the reference voltage Vref so as to output a control signal V+ closing the circuit of the switching means (4) between the output of the division means (3) and the regulating element (1) if the comparison voltage Vcomp is greater than the reference voltage Vref and closing the circuit of the switching means (4) between the supply voltage element Vv and the regulating element (1) if the comparison voltage Vcomp is less than the reference voltage Vref.
  3. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that it comprises an inverter (11) arranged at the output of the amplifier so as to obtain an inverse control signal V-.
  4. Device according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the means for dividing by the factor k2 comprises at least two resistors arranged in series between the variable voltage Vv and earth.
  5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the means for dividing by the factor k1 comprises at least two resistors arranged in series between the variable voltage Vv and earth, the means for dividing by the factor k1 and the means for dividing by the factor k2 comprising at least one common resistor.
  6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching means comprises a first transistor (T17), one terminal of which is connected to the input of the said switching means and sees the variable voltage Vv, another terminal of which is connected to the output of the said switching means and sees the voltage Vr, and a control terminal linked to a control means (16) generating a voltage able to turn on the first transistor if the voltage condition is not satisfied or turn off the transistor if the voltage condition is satisfied.
  7. Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the switching means comprises at least a second transistor (T18), one terminal of which is connected to the input of the said switching means and sees the variable voltage Vv, another terminal of which is connected to the output of the said switching means and sees the voltage Vr, and a control terminal sees a control voltage equal to the divided variable voltage Vv/k1 able to turn off the second transistor if the voltage condition is not satisfied and to turn it on if the voltage condition is satisfied so that the voltage Vr is equal to the divided variable voltage Vv/k1.
  8. Device according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the means for controlling the first transistor comprises a third transistor (T20) controlled by an output voltage from the comparison means and a fourth transistor (T23) controlled by the inverse of the said output voltage from the comparison means, the third transistor being connected by one terminal to earth and by another terminal to the output of the switching means seeing the voltage Vr by way of two resistors (R21) and (R22) in series, the common point shared by the said two resistors seeing the voltage Vr if the voltage condition is not satisfied and a voltage equal to Vr *R21/(R21+R22) if the voltage condition is satisfied, the fourth transistor being connected by one terminal to earth and by another terminal to the output of the switching means by way of a fifth transistor (T25) whose control terminal is connected to the common point shared by the said two resistors, the fifth transistor being on if the voltage condition is satisfied and off if the voltage condition is not satisfied, so that the common point (24) shared by the fourth and fifth transistors sees a voltage which is substantially 0 if the voltage condition is not satisfied and substantially equal to the voltage Vr if the voltage condition is satisfied.
  9. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the means for controlling the first transistor furthermore comprises a sixth transistor (T26) provided with a terminal connected to the common point (24) shared by the fourth and fifth transistors, the other terminal and the control terminal being short circuited and linked to the output of the switching means seeing the voltage Vr by way of two resistors (R27) and (R28) in series, the sixth transistor being on if the voltage condition is not satisfied and off if the voltage condition is satisfied, the common point shared by the said two resistors (R27) and (R28) seeing the voltage Vr *R27/(R27+R28) if the voltage condition is not satisfied and the voltage Vr if the voltage condition is satisfied, and a seventh transistor (T29) provided with a control terminal connected to the common point shared by the said two resistors (R27) and (R28), with a terminal connected to the common point (24) shared by the fourth and fifth transistors, and with another terminal connected to the common point (24) shared by the fourth and fifth transistors by way of a resistor (R33), the other terminal of the seventh transistor also being connected to the control terminal of the first transistor (T17) of the switching means by way of a resistor (R32), a resistor (R33) linking the control terminal of the first transistor and the input of the switching means seeing the variable voltage Vv, in such a way that the seventh transistor is on if the voltage condition is not satisfied, the control terminal of the first transistor being subjected to a voltage substantially equal to Vv*R32/(R31+R32) able to turn it on and that the seventh transistor is off if the voltage condition is satisfied, the control terminal of the first transistor being subjected to a voltage substantially equal to Vv able to turn it off.
  10. Regulating process intended to provide a constant voltage for supplying consumer elements from a variable voltage Vv, in which process the variable voltage Vv is compared with a reference voltage Vref, the variable voltage Vv is divided by a factor k1, and the regulating element is supplied with a voltage Vr equal either to the variable voltage Vv or to the divided variable voltage Vv/k1 by switching between the two voltages, the switching being controlled as a function of the comparison in such a way that the regulating element is supplied with the variable voltage Vv if a voltage condition is not satisfied and with the divided variable voltage Vv/k1 if the voltage condition is satisfied, the variable voltage Vv being prone to take values greater than those which the active components of the device are capable of supporting
EP00403691A 1999-12-29 2000-12-28 Regulation device Expired - Lifetime EP1113352B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9916674A FR2803400B1 (en) 1999-12-29 1999-12-29 REGULATION DEVICE
FR9916674 1999-12-29

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1113352A1 EP1113352A1 (en) 2001-07-04
EP1113352B1 true EP1113352B1 (en) 2010-02-17

Family

ID=9553986

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00403691A Expired - Lifetime EP1113352B1 (en) 1999-12-29 2000-12-28 Regulation device

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US6433526B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1113352B1 (en)
DE (1) DE60043839D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2803400B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10056293A1 (en) * 2000-11-14 2002-06-06 Infineon Technologies Ag Circuit arrangement for generating a controllable output voltage
CN100412753C (en) * 2004-11-20 2008-08-20 鸿富锦精密工业（深圳）有限公司 Circuit for producing operating voltage of host board chip set
US9411353B2 (en) * 2014-02-28 2016-08-09 Texas Instruments Incorporated Method and circuitry for regulating a voltage
US11921531B2 (en) * 2020-12-17 2024-03-05 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Zener diode power path control for extended operation range of linear power supplies

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4580090A (en) * 1983-09-16 1986-04-01 Motorola, Inc. Maximum power tracker
DE3341345A1 (en) * 1983-11-15 1985-05-23 SGS-ATES Deutschland Halbleiter-Bauelemente GmbH, 8018 Grafing VOLTAGE REGULATOR
IT1205095B (en) * 1987-06-25 1989-03-10 Sgs Microelettronica Spa LOW VOLTAGE SERIES TYPE VOLTAGE REGULATOR, IN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT, WITH PNP POWER TRANSISTOR PROTECTED AGAINST OVERVOLTAGES AND OVERCURRENTS
US5047751A (en) * 1989-02-03 1991-09-10 Nec Corporation Power supply voltage monitoring circuit
DE4337229C1 (en) * 1993-10-30 1994-11-10 Ant Nachrichtentech Power-feeding device
US5570004A (en) * 1994-01-03 1996-10-29 Seiko Instruments Inc. Supply voltage regulator and an electronic apparatus
TW296506B (en) * 1995-07-25 1997-01-21 Thomson Consumer Electronics
US5686821A (en) * 1996-05-09 1997-11-11 Analog Devices, Inc. Stable low dropout voltage regulator controller
US6262567B1 (en) * 1997-08-01 2001-07-17 Lsi Logic Corporation Automatic power supply sensing with on-chip regulation
DE19739246A1 (en) * 1997-09-08 1999-03-11 Siemens Ag Circuit arrangement and method for overload protection for a switching element
US5955870A (en) * 1997-09-29 1999-09-21 Intel Corporation Multi-mode low power voltage regulator
US6218821B1 (en) * 1999-07-30 2001-04-17 Emc Corporation Computer storage system incorporating marginable power supply and power-up bypass circuit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2803400B1 (en) 2003-01-10
EP1113352A1 (en) 2001-07-04
US6433526B2 (en) 2002-08-13
FR2803400A1 (en) 2001-07-06
DE60043839D1 (en) 2010-04-01
US20010030531A1 (en) 2001-10-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0408436B1 (en) Detection circuit for a three-phase alternator phase control signal of a vehicle battery charging regulator and its use
EP2280414B1 (en) Electronic device for reverse bias protection, and application in automotive field
WO2018091830A1 (en) Device for protecting an electronic computer against a short circuit
EP1113352B1 (en) Regulation device
FR2572600A1 (en) ELECTRONIC VOLTAGE STABILIZER, PARTICULARLY FOR AUTOMOBILE USE, WITH PROTECTION AGAINST TRANSIENT OVERVOLTAGES OF POLARITY OPPOSITE TO THAT OF THE GENERATOR
FR2916914A1 (en) VOLTAGE COMPENSATION INFERFACE DEVICE BASED ON CAPACITIVE ENERGY STORAGE AND ELECTRICAL NETWORK COMPRISING SAID DEVICE.
EP0505234B1 (en) Detection circuit of a switch-state, especially of a contact key in an alternator-voltage regulator
EP0530061A1 (en) Charging voltage control circuit for an alternator supplied battery
FR3009452A1 (en) SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGE OF AN ELECTRICAL NETWORK ON THE EDGE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
FR2911732A1 (en) TEMPORARY ELEVATION DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL VOLTAGE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
EP0726633B1 (en) Voltage regulator for charging a battery with an alternator provided with means for initiating, especially for motor vehicle
EP0164770B1 (en) Static relay for low-voltage direct current
FR2790341A1 (en) ALTERNATOR HAVING IMPROVED MEANS OF PROTECTION AGAINST LOAD LOADING, AND RELATED REGULATOR DEVICE
FR3025900A1 (en) ELECTRICAL CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WITH HIGH INTEGRITY
FR2535539A1 (en) Electronic fuel injection for vehicle engine
EP3726731B1 (en) Transistor control circuit
FR2733097A1 (en) ALTERNATOR EXCITATION CIRCUIT, ESPECIALLY OF AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, AND REGULATOR AND ALTERNATOR INCORPORATED
EP0700142B1 (en) Circuit for detecting the closing of an ignition key for the control of a charge regulator for the charging of a battery by means of an alternator, with means for shunting parasitic leakage currents
EP3523867B1 (en) Circuit for discharging a high-voltage electrical system
FR2460087A1 (en) Vehicle lighting fault detector - compares dissipated current with reference value to detect failure of lamp
FR2516317A1 (en) PROTECTION DEVICE FOR THE CONTROL TRANSISTOR OF AN ELECTRIC MOTOR, ASSEMBLY CONSISTING OF SUCH A DEVICE AND ITS ASSOCIATED MOTOR AND USE IN A MOTOR VEHICLE
WO2023280727A1 (en) Module for detecting a voltage interruption of a motor vehicle battery
FR3032319A1 (en) ELECTRONIC CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR A H-HALF BRIDGE
WO2020260271A1 (en) Electronic commutator
WO2019138195A1 (en) Electronic device for electrically controlling an inductive load

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: STMICROELECTRONICS S.A.

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20011213

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: DE FR GB IT

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20020419

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60043839

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20100401

Kind code of ref document: P

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20101118

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100217

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20101201

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20101208

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20120119

Year of fee payment: 12

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20121228

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20130830

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60043839

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130702

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130702

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130102

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121228