Protective circuit for series-connected power semiconductors
US5946178A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K17/0828
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A semiconductor assembly with overvoltage protection is provided. The semiconductor assembly comprises at least two series connected power semiconductors, each of which is protected by at least one overvoltage protection device. The overvoltage protection device is activated at a predetermined voltage. The overvoltage protection device may be coupled in parallel across the emitter and collector of the power semiconductor or between the collector and gate of the power semiconductor. The overvoltage protection device includes a capacitor and a rectifier connected in series with the capacitor. The rectifier prevents the capacitor from discharging when the power semiconductor is in a conducting state. A voltage controller is connected to the capacitor and determines the voltage level to which the capacitor is discharged after an activation of the overvoltage protection device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.