The objective is to provide a function of detecting loss of a current detection function, at a time when a switching device has an open failure, in an arm that has the current detection function and a temperature detection function and in which two or more switching devices are connected in parallel with one another. A switching apparatus includes a current detector and a temperature detector provided in at least one of the two or more switching devices that are connected in parallel with one another and a controller that determines an overcurrent in the switching device in which the current detector is provided, that determines an overheating state and a temperature-rising failure in the switching device in which the temperature detector is provided, based on an output of the temperature detector, and that controls the switching devices.

The present disclosure provides an overcurrent protection circuit, an overcurrent protection method, a clock signal generation circuit and a display device. The overcurrent protection circuit includes N first overcurrent detection circuits, N second overcurrent detection circuits, a first signal generation circuit, a second signal generation circuit, a first level switching circuit, a second level switching circuit and a control circuit. The first signal generation circuit is configured to output a first control signal to the first level switching circuit upon the receipt of a first overcurrent indication signal. The second signal generation circuit is configured to output a second control signal to the second level switching circuit upon the receipt of a second overcurrent indication signal. The control circuit is configured to provide an OFF control signal to an n.sup.th output control module after a predetermined time period upon the receipt of a third control signal and/or a fourth control signal, where N is a positive integer, and n is a positive integer smaller than or equal to N.

The present disclosure provides an overcurrent protection circuit, an overcurrent protection method, a clock signal generation circuit and a display device. The overcurrent protection circuit includes N first overcurrent detection circuits, N second overcurrent detection circuits, a first signal generation circuit, a second signal generation circuit, a first level switching circuit, a second level switching circuit and a control circuit. The first signal generation circuit is configured to output a first control signal to the first level switching circuit upon the receipt of a first overcurrent indication signal. The second signal generation circuit is configured to output a second control signal to the second level switching circuit upon the receipt of a second overcurrent indication signal. The control circuit is configured to provide an OFF control signal to an n.sup.th output control module after a predetermined time period upon the receipt of a third control signal and/or a fourth control signal, where N is a positive integer, and n is a positive integer smaller than or equal to N.

Disclosed is a low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator that includes a differential amplifier configured to amplify a differential between a reference voltage and a regulated output voltage, a pass transistor coupled to the differential amplifier and driven by an output of the differential amplifier, a compensation capacitor coupled to an output node of the differential amplifier, and an auxiliary amplifier, wherein an output node of the auxiliary amplifier is coupled to the compensation capacitor, and wherein an input node of the auxiliary amplifier is coupled to the pass transistor.

A power supply circuit and techniques for voltage regulation are described. Certain aspects provide a method of supplying power by a power supply circuit. The method generally includes: generating an output voltage based on a voltage at a Vin node via a first transistor having a gate coupled to a gate of a second transistor, wherein a source of the second transistor is coupled to the Vin node and wherein a drain of the second transistor is coupled a drain of a third transistor; and sourcing a current to the third transistor, wherein during a light load condition of the power supply circuit, the current varies based on the voltage at a Vout node of the power supply circuit, and during a heavy load condition of the power supply circuit, the current is limited based on a current threshold.

A power supply circuit and techniques for voltage regulation are described. Certain aspects provide a method of supplying power by a power supply circuit. The method generally includes: generating an output voltage based on a voltage at a Vin node via a first transistor having a gate coupled to a gate of a second transistor, wherein a source of the second transistor is coupled to the Vin node and wherein a drain of the second transistor is coupled a drain of a third transistor; and sourcing a current to the third transistor, wherein during a light load condition of the power supply circuit, the current varies based on the voltage at a Vout node of the power supply circuit, and during a heavy load condition of the power supply circuit, the current is limited based on a current threshold.

Circuits for protecting devices, such as gallium nitride (GaN) devices, and operating methods thereof are described. The circuits monitor a magnitude of the current in a device and reduce the magnitude of the current and/or shut down the device responsive to the magnitude of the current exceeding a threshold. These circuits safeguard devices from damaging operating conditions to prolong the operating life of the protected devices.

An electronic circuit breaker contains a first semiconductor switch which is switched into a current path between a voltage input and a load output and contains a controller which is connected to the control input of the first semiconductor switch. The first semiconductor switch is actuated depending on an actual value of the load current, the actual value is supplied to the controller, and the controller is configured to limit the current of the first semiconductor switch and disconnect same.

A USB power supply apparatus supplies electric power to a USB power reception apparatus. A bus line connects the output of the power supply circuit and the USB power reception apparatus. A switch is provided on a path of the bus line. A feedback circuit feedback controls the power supply circuit such that the output voltage V.sub.OUT of the power supply circuit approaches a reference voltage V.sub.REF. A controller adaptively controls the reference voltage V.sub.REF based on an electrical state of the USB power supply apparatus.

A circuit is provided with inrush current protection through control of the output current at start-up by a current source that does not rely on the output capacitor and which provides a smooth transition from a controlled current mode during a start-up phase to a voltage regulation mode.