Microchip Technology Incorporated
Line discharge circuit with low power components

Abstract:

A control circuit includes a discharge circuit, a control logic, and an output. The output is communicatively coupled to a control terminal of a power transistor. The control circuit further includes an input communicatively coupled to an input of the transistor. In a discharge mode of operation, the control logic is configured to provide a control terminal voltage to the control terminal of the power transistor via the output. The control terminal voltage is configured to operate the power transistor linearly to dissipate energy stored in a capacitance connected to an input of the power transistor/In the discharge mode, the discharge circuit is configured to receive a discharge current from an output of the power transistor, and to dissipate remaining energy undissipated by the power transistor.