Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for real-time fault detection in electrical circuits. Various embodiments provide a fault detection circuit that uses a resistor network that is controlled to detect an internal current leak in multiple directions, e.g., to ground or to a power supply. The magnitude of the leakage current may be estimated from voltage measurements at voltage pins. In addition, as part of circuit diagnostics, open and short circuit fault conditions may be identified by using current sources and measuring deflections at the voltage pins.

Abstract: A voltage supply regulator includes a first output resistor including a first terminal coupled to an output voltage of the voltage supply regulator and a second terminal; a first comparator including a first input coupled to a reference voltage, a second input coupled to the second terminal of the first output resistor, and an output coupled to a base of a first regulator transistor; a current mirror coupled to a collector of the first regulator transistor; and an slew rate detector coupled to the current mirror that includes a first terminal coupled to control electrodes of first and second transistors in the current mirror, and a detection bipolar junction transistor having a collector coupled to the control electrodes of the first and second transistors in the current mirror, and a base coupled to a second terminal of the capacitor.

Abstract: A voltage supply regulator includes a first output resistor including a first terminal coupled to an output voltage of the voltage supply regulator and a second terminal; a first comparator including a first input coupled to a reference voltage, a second input coupled to the second terminal of the first output resistor, and an output coupled to a base of a first regulator transistor; a current mirror coupled to a collector of the first regulator transistor; and an slew rate detector coupled to the current mirror that includes a first terminal coupled to control electrodes of first and second transistors in the current mirror, and a detection bipolar junction transistor having a collector coupled to the control electrodes of the first and second transistors in the current mirror, and a base coupled to a second terminal of the capacitor.