摘要 |
A semiconductor switching device has a first semiconductor element, a second semiconductor element, and a comparator. The first semiconductor element has a first main electrode, a second main electrode, and a control electrode. The second semiconductor element has a first main electrode connected to the first main electrode of the first semiconductor element, a control electrode connected to the control electrode of the fist semiconductor element, and a second main electrode connected to a circuit that consists of a resistor and a constant current source that are connected in parallel with each other. The comparator compares potentials of the second main electrodes of the first and second semiconductor elements with each other. If the potential of the second main electrode of the first semiconductor element exceeds the potential of the second main electrode of the second semiconductor element, it is determined that there is a break in the load. The switching device is capable of detecting a current in a power line without a shunt resistor connected in series to the power line, thereby minimizing a heat loss.
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