Patent ID: 6617913
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: H02P,H03K

Abstract:
An H-bridge for controlling current through a load, wherein the H-bridge is coupled between a supply voltage and a reference voltage, the H-bridge comprising:a forward circuit coupled between the supply and reference voltages, wherein the forward circuit comprises the load, a first low side switch coupled to receive a forward input signal, and a first high side thyristor coupled to receive the forward input signal at its control gate, and wherein assertion of the forward input signal turns on the first low side switch and the first high side thyristor to allow a current to flow in a first direction through the first high side thyristor, the load, and the first low side switch; and a reverse circuit coupled between the supply and reference voltages, wherein the reverse circuit comprises the load, a second low side switch coupled to receive a reverse input signal, and a second high side thyristor coupled to receive the reverse input signal at its control gate, and wherein assertion of the reverse input signal turns on the second low side switch and the second high side thyristor to allow a current to flow in a second direction through the second high side thyristor, the load, and the second low side, switch, wherein the amplitude of the asserted forward and reverse input signals is lower than the amplitude or the supply voltage.