Patent · US Expired

Smooth switching module

US5861721A · kind A · utility

41Cited by
74References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 25, 1996
Grant dateJan 19, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 25, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S315/07
  • WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A switching module having a switching circuit which achieves a relatively smooth turn-on conduction transition characteristic and a relatively low power consumption. A controlled transition circuit conducts current to between two of its three terminals when in a fully conductive state. The transition circuit transitions from a non-conductive state to the fully conductive state over a predetermined amount of time to limit the di/dt and the interference signals generated by the di/dt. A low forward voltage conduction circuit also conducts current to the load in a conductive state and diverts current to the transition circuit when in a non-conductive state. The conduction circuit creates a second predetermined voltage across the terminals when in the conductive state which is substantially less than the first predetermined voltage to reduce the power consumption.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.