Patent ID: 8493759
Filing Date: 2013-07-23
Classification: H02M

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling series-connected semiconductor switches, comprising: providing a first positive auxiliary voltage referenced to a negative voltage busbar; providing a first negative auxiliary voltage referenced to a positive voltage busbar; providing from said first positive auxiliary voltage a second positive auxiliary voltage to a first switch driver of a first semiconductor switch, said second positive auxiliary voltage being referenced to a common potential of the first switch driver; providing, with a bootstrap technique, from the first negative auxiliary voltage a second negative auxiliary voltage to a second switch driver of a second semiconductor switch, said second negative voltage being referenced to a common potential of the second switch driver; and providing, with a bootstrap technique, from the second negative auxiliary voltage a third negative auxiliary voltage to a third switch driver of a third semiconductor switch, said third negative auxiliary voltage being referenced to a common potential point of the third switch driver.