Patent ID: 7602229
Filing Date: 2009-10-13
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
1. Method of operating a resonant driver circuit for driving a semiconductor switch, wherein the driver circuit includes a first switch for connecting a power supply to a control terminal of the semiconductor switch, a second switch connected between ground and the control terminal of the semiconductor switch and a third switch for connecting the control terminal of the semiconductor switch via an inductor to a potential, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first switch that is configured to couple a first supply voltage to a control terminal of the semiconductor switch; providing a second switch that is configured to couple a second supply voltage to the control terminal of the semiconductor switch; providing a third switch that is configured to couple a potential to the control terminal of the semiconductor switch via an inductor; and providing a first capacitor switchably coupled to the inductor via the third switch for providing the potential to the control terminal; providing a control circuit that is configured to control one or more of the first, second, and third switches so as to provide a current in the inductor via a common current path before initiating a switching of the semiconductor switch; and pre-charging the inductor by switching the third switch before initiating a switching of the semiconductor switch.