Optically powered drive circuit and method for controlling a semiconductor switch
US7449668B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2005 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2217/0036
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optically powered drive circuit and a method for controlling a first semiconductor switch are provided. The optically powered drive circuit includes a photovoltaic cell configured to receive a first light signal from a fiber optic cable and to output a first voltage in response to the first light signal. The optically powered drive circuit further includes an energy storage device electrically coupled to the photovoltaic cell configured to store electrical energy received from the first voltage and to output a second voltage. The optically powered drive circuit further includes an electrical circuit electrically coupled to both the photovoltaic cell and the energy storage device. The electrical circuit is energized by the second voltage. The electrical circuit is configured to receive the first voltage and to output a third voltage in response to the first voltage for controlling operation of the first semiconductor switch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.