Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of detecting an excess temperature of a conductor. An example method includes measuring the level of current flowing through the conductor. The level is a first value during a first time period and a second value during a second time period. The first value being larger than a current limit and the second value being lower than the current limit. During the first period, estimating a first difference between the first value and the current limit, and incrementing a counter with a first step size selected as a function of the first difference. During the second period, estimating a second difference between the second value and the current limit, and decrementing the counter with a second step size selected as a function of the second difference. Generating an alert signal if a count value of the counter exceeds a count limit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus including a plurality of channels that drive one or more electrical loads and a control module that generates control signals to operate at least one channel in the plurality of channels, an electronic fuse that monitors one or more operating parameter in a respective channel and detects anomalous conditions in that channel based on the parameter(s) monitored, and a parallel-mode block that defines one or more sets of channels including two or more channels configured to drive a same load. The control module receives from the parallel-mode block parallel-mode management control signals and operates the channels in the set of channels based on parallel-mode management control signals received by the parallel-mode block. The electronic fuse makes the channels in the set of channels non-conductive in response to an anomalous condition detected even in just one channel in the set.

Abstract: Current absorption management for an electronic fuse coupled between an electrical supply source node and an electrical load node selectively controls a high current electronic switch and a low current electronic switch coupled in parallel between the electrical supply source node and the electrical load node. The high current and low current electronic switches are alternatively actuated: in a first mode where the high current electronic switch is turned on and the low current electronic switch is turned off, and in a second mode where the high current electronic switch is turned off and the low current electronic switch is turned on. Change to the second mode may be made in response to a standby state or a sensing of a lower current in the electrical load. Conversely, change to the first mode may be made in response to a sensing of a higher current in the electrical load.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to electronic fuse devices and systems. One such electronic fuse includes current sensing circuitry that senses a current in a conductor coupled between a power supply and a load, and generates a current sensing signal indicative of the sensed current. I2t circuitry receives the current sensing signal and determines whether the sensed current exceeds an I2t curve of the conductor. The electronic fuse further includes at least one of external MOSFET temperature sensing circuitry that senses a temperature of an external MOSFET coupled to the conductor, low current bypass circuitry that supplies a reduced current to the load in a low power consumption mode during which the external MOSFET is in a non-conductive state, or desaturation sensing circuitry that senses a drain-source voltage of the external MOSFET.

Abstract: Current absorption management for an electronic fuse coupled between an electrical supply source node and an electrical load node selectively controls a high current electronic switch and a low current electronic switch coupled in parallel between the electrical supply source node and the electrical load node. The high current and low current electronic switches are alternatively actuated: in a first mode where the high current electronic switch is turned on and the low current electronic switch is turned off, and in a second mode where the high current electronic switch is turned off and the low current electronic switch is turned on. Change to the second mode may be made in response to a standby state or a sensing of a lower current in the electrical load. Conversely, change to the first mode may be made in response to a sensing of a higher current in the electrical load.