Patent ID: 6178077
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: H02H,H03K

Abstract:
An electronic branch circuit switch for switching a load connected to a power supply source between an on state and an off state, comprising:two semiconductor switching elements bidirectionally connected in series with the load;wherein the electronic branch circuit switch does not include any switches with isolating distance to interrupt the load;an ohmic resistor resistor connected across the current path of the load current for measuring the voltage of the load;a potential-free control device coupled to the two semiconductor switching elements, the potential-free control device switching the two semiconductor switching elements between an on state and an off state;a first protection device coupled to the two semiconductor switching elements, the first protection device shutting off a short-circuit current flowing through the load;a second protection device coupled to the two semiconductor switching elements, the second protection device preventing an overload current in the load; anda detection device coupled to the load, the detection device detecting a zero crossing of a current of the load and generating a shutoff signal, the shutoff signal shutting off the two semiconductor switching elements,wherein the two semiconductor switching elements include a substrate composed of silicon carbide, andwherein the two semiconductor switching elements and the first protection device are included in a single integrated component.