Patent ID: 8729814
Filing Date: 2014-05-20
Classification: H05B,Y02B

Abstract:
1. A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load, the load control device comprising: a bidirectional semiconductor switch arranged to be connected in series electrical connection between the AC power source and the electrical load for conducting a load current from the AC power source to the electrical load, the bidirectional semiconductor switch comprising first and second switching transistors coupled in anti-series connection, the first and second switching transistors each operable to be rendered conductive and to remain conductive independent of the magnitude of the load current conducted through the semiconductor switch; an analog control circuit for generating a timing voltage representative of a desired amount of power to be delivered to the electrical load; and a drive circuit receiving the timing voltage and rendering the first and second switching transistors conductive and non-conductive each half-cycle in response to the timing voltage, so as to control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load to the desired amount; wherein the drive circuit controls the first and second switching transistors on a complementary basis.