
User’s Manual G12702EJ8V0UM00
10
<5> Startup circuit
A power supply IC has an on-chip constant current circuit for use as an error amplifier load or for biasing the
reference voltage circuit. A constant current circuit, which consists of paired transistors, does not begin to
operate as long as the diode connected transistors are not in a steady bias state. A startup circuit therefore
is set up and it biases the active load at power-on to cause normal operation to begin whether the
temperature of the transistors is low or high.
<6> Overcurrent protection circuit
This is a protection circuit for preventing the load current from exceeding the current capacity of the output
stage power transistor. It restricts the base current of the output stage power transistor by biasing the current
restriction transistor more deeply in accordance with the voltage drop in the current detection resistor inserted
in the load current route.
<7> Limiting circuit for securing safe operating area (SOA)
The limiting circuit for securing SOA operates to cut down the output current if the voltage between input and
output (voltage between the collector and emitter of the output stage power transistor) becomes large so that
the safe operating area of the output stage power transistor is not exceeded.
If the voltage difference between input and output exceeds the breakdown voltage (7 to 8 V) of a Zener diode
connected between input and output, it limits the base current of the output stage power transistor by biasing
the current limiting transistor more deeply using the breakdown current.
Since the larger the voltage
difference between input and output the more the base current of the output stage power transistor is limited,
the load characteristic is a "foldback" type drooping characteristic as a result.
Figure 3-4 shows the parts of a general overcurrent protection circuit and limiting circuit for securing SOA.
Figure 3-4. Example of Overcurrent Protection Circuit and Limiting Circuit for Securing SOA
(
PC7800A Series)
Q16
Q15 : Current limiting
transistor
Q17
R11 : Current detection resistor
INPUT
Limiting circuit for securing SOA
OUTPUT
Output stage transistor