STEF05: When over-current occurs, does the "Fault" output toggle?

[Peter BENSCH]

The datasheet says:

"The EN/Fault pin of the device is automatically set at an intermediate voltage, in order to signal the overtemperature event."

It also says:

"When an overload event occurs, the current limiting circuit reduces the conductivity of the power MOSFET, in order to clamp the output current at the value selected externally by means of the limiting resistor RLimit."

Considering this behavior you will find that the STEF05:

1. limits the current to the given value
2. maybe gets hot due to the resulting power dissipation, so
3. the Fault pin gets set to an intermadiate voltage, for which the datasheet give a typical value of 1.4V

/Peter

[RBerw.1]

What is the recommended circuit connected to EN/FAULT pin, to provide valid "hi/low" over-temperature status?

[Peter BENSCH]

There is no recommended circuit, but if necessary it might easily achieved using e.g. a comparator checking the voltage at EN/Fault and comparing it with the min value of Vi(int) = 0.82V. The voltage might also be measured using an ADC channel of an STM32, where an analog watchdog could permanentely check the voltage and rise an interrupt if EN/Fault exceeds the limit.

Of course there are many other solutions you can think of.

/Peter