Patent ID: 7948276
Filing Date: 2011-05-24
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
1. A gate driver circuit for driving an electric switch, said switch being arranged to control a main current using a gate signal, said gate driver circuit comprising: a non-linear capacitor having a lower capacitance when an applied voltage is under a threshold voltage and a higher capacitance when an applied voltage is over said threshold voltage, wherein said non-linear capacitor is arranged to be connected between a high voltage connection point of said switch and a connection point for said gate signal; a current change rate sensor, said current change rate sensor being configured to detect changes in a main current of said electric switch and to control a gate signal of said electric switch in proportion to said current change; a gate buffer arranged to supply the gate signal to the switch; and at least one current source arranged to drive said gate buffer; wherein said current change rate sensor is connected to control said current source to thereby control said gate signal of said electric switch.