Abstract: The circuit configuration captures the load current of a field effect-controllable power semiconductor component. The drain and gate terminals of a further field effect-controllable semiconductor component are connected to the drain and gate terminals, respectively, of the first semiconductor component. A fraction of the load current flows through the further semiconductor component. The load current of the further semiconductor component is set as a function of the drain-to-source voltage of the two semiconductor components. The load current flowing through the further semiconductor component is compared with a reference current and an output signal is generated if the load current falls below a set value.

Abstract: A field-effect-controllable power semiconductor component has a drain terminal, a source terminal, a gate terminal, a drain-to-source voltage and a load current. A circuit configuration for detecting the load current of the power semiconductor component includes a further field-effect-controllable semiconductor component through which a fraction of the load current flows. The further semiconductor component has a drain terminal connected to the drain terminal of the power semiconductor component, a gate terminal connected to the gate terminal of the power semiconductor component, a source terminal and a drain-to-source voltage. A resistor at which a voltage proportional to the load current can be picked up, is connected to a fixed potential terminal. A controllable resistor is connected between the resistor and the source terminal of the further semiconductor component.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for monitoring the temperature of power switching transistor integrated in a semiconductor circuit for overload protection includes temperature sensors each being associated with one respective power switching transistor for detecting the circuit temperature and issuing an output signal. Comparison stages are each connected to a respective one of the temperature sensors for comparing the output signal of one of the temperature sensors with a first reference corresponding to a first predetermined temperature value and switching off only the power switching transistor associated therewith upon attainment of the first predetermined temperature value.

Abstract: In a method and device for limiting the starting current of a DC converter, at least one buffer capacitor is initially charged through a load resistor. The current going through the load resistor is measured with a monitor. The monitor switches on a DC converter and bridges the load resistor once a switching threshold is reached. A predetermined minimum current is used as the switching threshold.