Semiconductor switching string
US9813054B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K17/687
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A semiconductor switching string includes a plurality of series-connected semiconductor switching assemblies, each having a main semiconductor switching element that includes first and second connection terminals. The main semiconductor switching element also has an auxiliary semiconductor switching element electrically connected between the first and second connection terminals. Each semiconductor switching assembly also includes a control unit configured to switch on a respective auxiliary semiconductor switching element to selectively create an alternative current path between the first and second connection terminals whereby current is diverted to flow through the alternative current path to reduce the voltage across the corresponding main semiconductor switching element. The or each control unit is further configured to switch on the auxiliary semiconductor switching element when the voltage across the corresponding main semiconductor switching element differs from a voltage reference derived from the voltage across all of the main semiconductor switching elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.