Non-dissipative overcurrent detection and protection
L6229
10 Non-dissipative overcurrent detection and protection
The L6229 device integrates an “Overcurrent Detection” circuit (OCD) for full protection.
This circuit provides output to output and output to ground short-circuit protection as well.
With this internal overcurrent detection, the external current sense resistor normally used
and its associated power dissipation are eliminated. Figure 19 shows a simplified schematic
for the overcurrent detection circuit.
To implement the overcurrent detection, a sensing element that delivers a small but precise
fraction of the output current is implemented with each high-side power MOS. Since this
current is a small fraction of the output current there is very little additional power
dissipation. This current is compared with an internal reference current IREF. When the
output current reaches the detection threshold (typically ISOVER = 2.8 A) the OCD
comparator signals a fault condition. When a fault condition is detected, an internal open
drain MOS with a pull down capability of 4 mA connected to pin DIAG is turned on.
The pin DIAG can be used to signal the fault condition to a C or to shut down the 3-phase
bridge simply by connecting it to pin EN and adding an external R-C (see REN, CEN).
Figure 19. Overcurrent protection simplified schematic
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Figure 20 shows the overcurrent detection operation. The disable time tDISABLE before
recovering normal operation can be easily programmed by means of the accurate
thresholds of the logic inputs. It is affected whether by CEN and REN values and its
magnitude is reported in Figure 21. The delay time tDELAY before turning off the bridge when
an overcurrent has been detected depends only by CEN value. Its magnitude is reported in
Figure 22.
CEN is also used for providing immunity to pin EN against fast transient noises. Therefore
the value of CEN should be chosen as big as possible according to the maximum tolerable
delay time and the REN value should be chosen according to the desired disable time.
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