Patent ID: 7710704
Filing Date: 2010-05-04
Classification: B60R,H01L

Abstract:
1. A drive circuit for at least one firing element of an occupant protection system, the drive circuit comprising: a first supply potential connection and a second supply potential connection; a first firing element connection and a second firing element connection; at least one first semiconductor switching element integrated in a first semiconductor body, the at least one first semiconductor switching element including a first load connection coupled to the first supply potential connection and a second load connection coupled to the first firing element connection; at least one second semiconductor switching element integrated in a second semiconductor body, the at least one second semiconductor switching element including a first load connection coupled to the second firing element connection and a second load connection coupled to the second supply potential connection; a single temperature detector operable to detect an over-temperature of the first semiconductor switching element, the temperature detector integrated in the second semiconductor body and configured to provide an over-temperature signal upon detection of an over-temperature; a thermally conductive carder element to which the first semiconductor body and the second semiconductor body are applied; and a chip housing surrounding the first semiconductor body and the second semiconductor body.