Synaptics Incorporated
IN-RUSH CURRENT PROTECTION FOR LINEAR REGULATORS

Abstract:

A linear voltage regulator including a pass element, an error amplifier, and in-rush current protection (ICP) circuitry. The pass element is configured to produce an output voltage across a capacitor based on a received input voltage. The error amplifier is configured to output a control voltage based at least in part on the output voltage and a reference voltage. The control voltage is used to control a flow of output current through the pass element. The ICP circuitry is coupled to the pass element and the error amplifier and configured to maintain the output current below a threshold level while charging the capacitor from a discharged state to the output voltage.