Semiconductor switching circuit
US9819337B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 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 circuit includes a main current branch which includes at least one main semiconductor switching element and through which current flows in a first direction when the or each main semiconductor switching element is switched on. The semiconductor switching circuit also includes an auxiliary current branch that is connected in parallel with the main current branch. The auxiliary current branch includes at least one auxiliary semiconductor switching element. One or more control units are configured to switch on the or each auxiliary semiconductor switching element as the or each main semiconductor switching element is switched on to selectively create an alternative current path via the auxiliary current branch whereby current flowing in the first direction through the main current branch is diverted instead to flow through the alternative current path to reduce the rate of change of current flowing through the or each main semiconductor switching element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.