Abstract: A drive circuit is disclosed. The drive circuit includes a high-side switch coupled between a power supply and an inductive load, and a low-side switch coupled between the load and ground. A current sense device is connected in series with the high-side switch, the low-side switch and the load. A control circuit controls the high-side and low-side switches. The control circuit further includes an input coupled to an output of the current sense device, and is configured to selectively provide a current path between the first and second terminals of the inductive load based upon the output of the current sense device. The current path is provided when an overcurrent condition exists, and dissipates energy stored in the inductive load in response to the overcurrent condition.

Abstract: A determination is made as to when the current flowing through a transistor exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the current exceeds the predetermined threshold, the transistor is deactivated. The deactivating of the transistor is effective to limit the current that flows through the transistor. The limiting of the current is effective to prevent damage to the transistor in an over current condition. The transistor is maintained in a deactivated state until a time off circuit resets the DC-DC converter circuit. The maintaining of the transistor in the deactivated state until a time off circuit resets the DC-DC converter circuit is additionally effective to reduce the time on (Duty Cycle—D.C.) and frequency to further prevent damage to the transistor due to switching power losses.

Abstract: A determination is made as to when the current flowing through a transistor exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the current exceeds the predetermined threshold, the transistor is deactivated. The deactivating of the transistor is effective to limit the current that flows through the transistor. The limiting of the current is effective to prevent damage to the transistor in an over current condition. The transistor is maintained in a deactivated state until a time off circuit resets the DC-DC converter circuit. The maintaining of the transistor in the deactivated state until a time off circuit resets the DC-DC converter circuit is additionally effective to reduce the time on (Duty Cycle—D.C.) and frequency to further prevent damage to the transistor due to switching power losses.