Patent ID: 8575974
Filing Date: 2013-11-05
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling a power semiconductor component, comprising: producing a control signal (Ucin) for controlling the component; forming a second control signal (Ucout) at the potential of the controlled component from the control signal (Ucin), wherein the second control signal has logic high and logic low levels which are equal to first and second supply voltages, respectively; measuring a current flowing through the component; comparing the measured current with a set limit; providing a fault signal (Ufault) having a logical state based on the comparing of the measured current and the set limit; producing a component control signal (Uave) from the fault signal (Ufault) and the second control signal (Ucout) such that whenever a fault is indicated, the component control signal has an amplitude between the high and low power supply voltages, and otherwise the amplitude of the component control signal (Uave) is equal to the second control signal (Ucout); and controlling the component with the component control signal (Uave).