Electronic switch with overvoltage limiter

US11362512B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Hubert Schierling · Erlangen, DE
• Benno Weis · Hemhofen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 26, 2018
• Grant date: Jun 14, 2022
• Expiry date: Jun 8, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H03K17/56
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

An electronic switch for a DC voltage system includes at least two turn-off semiconductor switches, a varistor and a capacitor, and at least two diodes connected in series with opposite polarity. The turn-off semiconductor switches are connected at a connection point in series with opposite polarity between a first connection of the electronic switch and a second connection of the electronic switch. In order to provide improved overvoltage protection, the varistor and the capacitor form a series connection, with one end of the series connection connected to the connection point. A DC voltage system employing the electronic switch and a method for limiting overvoltages in the electronic switch or in a corresponding DC voltage system are also disclosed. Inductive energy of an element connected to the electronic switch is transferred to the capacitor when a limit, defined by the varistor, has been exceeded.