Patent ID: 6218873
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
A driver stage for switching a load, comprising:a first pole terminal to be connected to a voltage source supplying an operating voltage and to the load;a second pole terminal to be connected to the voltage source supplying the operating voltage;a first resistor connected to said second pole terminal;a switching transistor having a collector, a base and an emitter connected to said first resistor, said collector to be connected to the load, and said first resistor, said switching transistor and the load defining a series circuit connected between said first pole terminal and said second pole terminal;a second resistor;a third resistor;a fourth resistor;a fifth resistor;a sixth resistor connected to the second pole terminal;a driver transistor having an emitter connected to said first pole terminal, a base, and a collector connected first via said sixth resistor to said second pole terminal and second via said fifth resistor to said base of said switching transistor, said base of said driver transistor to receive a control signal for switching said switching transistor;a short-circuit transistor having an emitter connected to the second pole terminal, a collector connected to said base of said switching transistor, and a base connected via said second resistor to said emitter of said switching transistor and via said third resistor to said collector of said switching transistor; anda parallel transistor controllable in synchronism with said switching transistor by said driver transistor via said fourth resistor and having a switching path connected between said base of said short-circuit transistor and said third resistor.