Patent ID: 6291909
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: H01H,H03K

Abstract:
A semiconductor device based relay for controlling from a relay control input which of relay first and second relay power inputs are electrically connected therethrough to a relay first power output, said relay control input being suited for selective coupling to a first periodic electrical energization source, said relay first power output being suited for selective coupling to a corresponding one of a second and said first periodic electrical energization sources, and said relay first and second power inputs being suited for selective coupling to a corresponding one of said first and second periodic electrical energization sources, said relay comprising:first and second semiconductor switches each having first and second terminating regions and a control input by which said semiconductor switch is capable of being directed to provide a conductive path between said first and second terminating regions thereof, said first and second semiconductor switches first terminating regions each being electrically connected to said first relay power output, said first semiconductor switch second terminating region being electrically connected to said relay first power input and said second semiconductor switch second terminating region being electrically connected to said relay second power input;a control converter having an output, and having an input coupled to said relay control input, said control converter providing a constant polarity control signal at said output thereof in response to said control converter input being electrically energized from said first periodic electrical energization source;an operation converter having an output, and having an input suited for electrical connection to said second periodic electrical energization source, said operation converter providing a constant polarity operational electrical energy at said output thereof in response to said operation converter input being electrically energized from said second periodic electrical energization source; anda switching controller having an input coupled to said control converter output, a constant polarity electrical energization input electrically connected to said operation converter output, and having first and second outputs each coupled to a corresponding one of said first and second semiconductor switches control inputs, said switching controller for providing a switching signal based at least in part on said constant polarity operational electrical energy provided on said constant polarity electrical energization input thereof to just one of said first and second outputs thereof in response to said constant polarity control signal appearing on said control converter output, and of providing such a said switching signal on just that remaining one of said first and second outputs thereof absent said constant polarity control signal appearing on said control converter output.