This application note provides information on how to protect the L6203 driver IC from short circuits
The document explains that the L6203 device outputs are not inherently protected against short circuits caused by load faults or wiring mistakes. It details three types of short circuits: output to output, output to supply voltage, and output to ground.
A protection circuit is proposed using sensing resistors (Rsl and Rsu) to detect excessive current. The signal from these sensors triggers a transistor or diode circuit which activates an SCR or a monostable multivibrator to disable the L6203 via its ENABLE pin. This prevents damage by cutting off power until the short is removed.
| Operating Current Limit | 3A/40V |
|---|
The note covers three types: output to output, output to supply voltage, and output to ground.
The protection signal acts on the ENABLE pin of the L6203 to disable its output stages.
The device remains disabled until power is switched off and then back on, assuming the short cause was removed.