摘要 |
High-voltage, solid-state switches that are capable of interrupting current, offer relatively low on-state losses (low forward voltage drop) and provide for high current densities. Low-voltage transistors and silicon-controlled rectifiers are employed to achieve low power losses at high current densities. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a solid-state switch for controlling a source of direct current. The switch includes four switching elements. Each element has a first terminal, a second terminal and a control signal input terminal. The switching elements provide a high resistance to the flow of electrical current in response to a first control signal. A second control signal causes the switching elements to offer a low resistance to the flow of electrical current. The first and second switching elements are connected in series, as are the third and fourth switching elements. The series combination of the first and second switching elements is then connected in parallel with the series combination of the third and fourth switching elements. A second embodiment of the invention includes three switching elements similar to the elements of the first embodiment, but with the first and the second switching elements wired in series, and with the third switching element being connected in parallel with the series combination of the first and second switching elements. The combination of switching elements allow a silicon-controlled rectifier to be used as a turn-off switch.
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