Abstract: A circuit for detecting failure of a device includes an on-phase detector, an off-phase detector, and protection switch circuitry. The on-phase detector is configured to determine whether a first failure has occurred at the device based on a rate of change of a current at a high-side switching element. The off-phase detector is configured to determine whether a second failure has occurred at the device based on both a current at a low-side switching element and a voltage at a switch node that is electrically coupled to the high-side switching element and the low-side switch. The protection switch circuitry is configured to electrically disconnect the high-side switching element from a supply circuit in response to the on-phase detector determining that the first failure has occurred at the device or in response to the off-phase detector determining that the second failure has occurred at the device.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for a pass element in a linear regulator circuit. The pass element is configured with a transistor with a low input capacitance that provides current to the load for light current demand levels. When the output current exceeds a predetermined threshold, the pass element is configured to turn on a second transistor to provide the additional current. The configuration of the pass element with the regulator circuit causes the regulator circuit to operate with a low quiescent current and with large bandwidth for fast response to load changes.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for a pass element in a linear regulator circuit. The pass element is configured with a transistor with a low input capacitance that provides current to the load for light current demand levels. When the output current exceeds a predetermined threshold, the pass element is configured to turn on a second transistor to provide the additional current. The configuration of the pass element with the regulator circuit causes the regulator circuit to operate with a low quiescent current and with large bandwidth for fast response to load changes.