Driver circuit for driving a row of switch elements such as light emitting thyristors, drive apparatus incorporating the driver circuit, and image forming apparatus

摘要

A driver circuit is used for driving a plurality of switch elements connected between a power supply terminal and a common terminal. Each switch element includes an anode connected to the power supply terminal, a cathode, and a gate. The cathode is connected to a common terminal. The gate controls electrical conduction between the anode and the cathode. The driver circuit includes a switch circuit connected between the power supply terminal and the common terminal, and a driver into which a drive current flows. The switch circuit is in parallel with the switch elements, and electrically connects or disconnects the power supply terminal and the common terminal in response to a control signal supplied thereto. A transmission line, having a specific characteristic impedance, is connected between the common terminal and the driver circuit.

主权项

1. A driver circuit for driving a plurality of switch elements connected between a power supply terminal and a common terminal, each switch element including a first terminal connected to the power supply terminal, a second terminal connected to the common terminal, and a third terminal that controls electrical conduction between the first terminal and the second terminal, the driver comprising:
a switch circuit connected between the power supply terminal and the common terminal, the switch circuit being in parallel with the plurality of switch elements, and the switch circuit electrically connecting or disconnecting the power supply terminal and the common terminal in response to a control signal, wherein when at least one of the plurality of switch elements is conducting, the switch circuit opens to disconnect the power supply terminal from the common terminal and when none of the plurality of switch elements is conducting, the switch circuit closes to connect the power supply terminal to the common terminal; a driver into which either current through the switch circuit flows or current through the switch elements flows; and a transmission line having a specific characteristic impedance, connected between the common terminal and the driver.