Abstract: A driver for producing a desired pulse width modulated current through a load has a driver control for storing diagnostics codes in a diagnostic register responsive to detection of at least one electrical fault condition in a circuit including the load. A short circuit detection signal is generated in response a sensed current exceeding a programmed load current range for the driver, whereupon the driver control disables the load current and generates an interrupt signal to a microprocessor. Open circuits and shorts across the load are distinguished by way of a minimum current signal representative of a sensed current flowing through the load exceeding a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: A pulse width modulation driver provides programmable current control for a variety of load current ranges using a modulation feedback block. The block scales a signal representative of a sensed current flowing through the load by a selectable gain multiplier. The scaled signal is compared to a target current value to indicate to a driver control when to generate trigger signals for switching current through the load. In this way, load currents can be amplified to match the operational range of the comparator.

Abstract: A driver for producing a desired pulse width modulated current through a load is provided with a sequencer for generating a plurality of wave forms phase-shifted so as to have non-overlapping duty cycles. A target generator supplies a target current value to a comparator, which compares the target current value to a signal representative of a sensed current flowing through the load. A driver control is responsive to a duty-cycle of only one of the plurality of wave forms to selectively generate trigger signals for switching current through the load in response to the result of the comparison.