Patent ID: 6356138
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: H03K,H05B

Abstract:
A switching device comprising:a first semiconductor element including a first electrode, a second electrode connected to a load, and a first control electrode; a second semiconductor element including a third electrode connected to the first electrode of the first semiconductor element, a fourth electrode, and a second control electrode connected to the first control electrode of the first semiconductor element; a circuit connected to the fourth electrode of the second semiconductor element, wherein the circuit includes a resistor connected in parallel to a constant current source; and a comparator for determining a first potential at the second electrode and a second potential at the fourth electrode, outputting a first signal indicating that a break has not occurred in the load when the first potential is less than the second potential, and outputting a second signal indicating that a break has occurred in the load when the first potential exceeds the second potential.