Patent US4924112A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4924112A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Microprocessor having high current drive and feedback for temperature control
Assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
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Filing: 1988-10-31
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Granted: 1990-05-08
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Expires: 2008-10-31
Abstract
Abstract An integrated circuit having a microprocessor core interfaced to large power transistors is described. This integrated circuit provides the capability to intelligently control and drive loads requiring currents exceeding 250 milli amps. The large power transistors are built in a technology compatible with the microprocessor core technology resulting in a more readily manufacturable circuit. The microprocessor core is layed out in a manner which provides the greatest distance between the most heat sensitive microprocessor core circuits and the power devices. On chip temperature sensing and feedback is provided for junction temperature monitoring and control.
Inventors
- 👤 Floyd E. Anderson
- 👤 Stephen P. Robb
- 👤 Pern Shaw
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 16:24
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/08; H03K17/082; H03K17/0826; H03K17/0822; H03K2017/0806
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
A monolithically integrated circuit comprising: at least one power output device having a current drive capability of greater than 0.25 amps; a microprocessor core coupled to said at least one power output device for driving said at least one power output device; a temperature sensing means coupled to said microprocessor core for providing said microprocessor core with a temperature indication of the junction temperatures of said microprocessor core and of said at least one power output device, therein providing feedback and protection to said microprocessor core.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
A monolithically integrated circuit comprising: at least one power output device having a current drive capability of greater than 0.25 amps; a microprocessor core coupled to said at least one power output device for driving said at least one power output device; a temperature sensing means coupled to said microprocessor core for providing said microprocessor core with a temperature indication of the junction temperatures of said microprocessor core and of said at least one power output device, therein providing feedback and protection to said microprocessor core.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The monolithically integrated circuit according to claim 1 wherein said at least one power output device has a rdson of less than 1 ohm.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
127 words
The monolithically integrated circuit according to claim 1 wherein said temperature sensing means further comprises: current mirror means having a first and second terminal for respectively supplying a first and second current thereto, wherein the second current is substantially equal to the first current, and having a first and second voltage at said first and second terminals, respectively; a temperature sensitive device coupled to said first terminal for receiving the first current, wherein said temperature sensitive device change the first voltage linearly with a change in temperature; and an amplifier means coupled to said current mirror means for receiving the first and second voltages, for amplifying a difference between the first and second voltages, said amplifier means coupled to said microprocessor core for providing said temperature indication.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The monolithically integrated circuit according to claim 1 further comprising an isolation means coupled to a voltage and located between said at least one power output device and said microprocessor core for collecting substrate currents.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The monolithically integrated circuit according to claim 4 wherein said microprocessor core, said at least one power output device, said temperature sensing means, and said isolation means are manufacturable in a substantially similar CMOS process technology.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
54 words
The monolithically integrated circuit according to claim 5 further comprising a control and driver circuit coupled between said microprocessor core and said power output device for providing a driver voltage to said at least one power output device wherein the magnitude of the driver voltage is greater than a first supply voltage applied thereto.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
118 words
A microprocessor circuit fabricated in a semiconductor substrate using a MOS process technology, for driving a load requiring greater than 0.25 amps of current, said microprocessor circuit comprising: at least one power output device exhibiting a rdson of less than 1 ohm; a microprocess core coupled for driving said at least one power output device; a temperature sensing means located next to said at least one power output device and coupled to said microprocessor core, wherein said temperature sensing means provides a temperature indication of said at least one power output device; and an isolation means coupled to a voltage and located between said at least one power output device and said microprocessor core for collecting substrate currents.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
118 words
A microprocessor circuit fabricated in a semiconductor substrate using a MOS process technology, for driving a load requiring greater than 0.25 amps of current, said microprocessor circuit comprising: at least one power output device exhibiting a rdson of less than 1 ohm; a microprocess core coupled for driving said at least one power output device; a temperature sensing means located next to said at least one power output device and coupled to said microprocessor core, wherein said temperature sensing means provides a temperature indication of said at least one power output device; and an isolation means coupled to a voltage and located between said at least one power output device and said microprocessor core for collecting substrate currents.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The microprocessor circuit according to claim 7 wherein said microprocessor circuit reduces the current to said load when the temperature of said microprocessor circuit exceeds a predetermined value.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
The microprocessor circuit according to claim 8 further comprising a control and driver circuit coupled between said microprocessor core and said at least one power output device for providing a driver voltage to said at least one power output device wherein the magnitude of the driver voltage is greater than a first supply voltage applied thereto.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-05-07 | 1993-11-06 | 1994-05-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-05-07 | 1997-11-06 | 1998-05-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-05-07 | 2001-11-06 | 2002-05-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |