Until now, circuit protection has entailed the use of an MCU to judge the error signal detected by the overcurrent detection IC before transmitting it to the IPD as an enable signal to initiate shutdown or repeated shutdown/restart operation. However, this can result in unstable circuit operation or malfunction. In contrast, ROHM’s IPDs provide protection functionality without an MCU and are capable of supplying the minimum current during protection operation, allowing the circuit to operate while generating an error signal. This makes it possible to make emergency calls during circuit operation in the event of non-fatal abnormalities. What’s more, circuit blackouts can be avoided when the mechanical load increases due to aging or unexpected increases in parasitic capacitance. In addition, independent operation is enabled without going through an MCU, reducing the number of components required and improving reliability.