Patent ID: 7459954

Claim:
A control circuit for controlling an electronic circuit, comprising: a semiconductor switch; a current path through the semiconductor switch and a line, wherein when the semiconductor switch is switched, an inductance of at least one of the line and a component in the current path produces an excess voltage between a first current-carrying terminal and a second current-carrying terminal of the semiconductor switch; a controllable current source for one of charging and discharging a charge-controlled gate of the semiconductor switch with the aid of a control current; and a control unit controlling the current source in such a manner, that in the case of a switching operation, a terminal voltage across the first current-carrying terminal and the second current-carrying terminal does not exceed a predefined setpoint terminal voltage; wherein in a circuit-closing operation, the control unit initially adjusts the setpoint terminal voltage to a first setpoint value, and then to a second setpoint value after expiration of a period of time, the second setpoint value being less than or equal to a low operating potential in the case of a self-blocking semiconductor switch, or greater than or equal to a high operating potential in the case of a self-conducting semiconductor switch.