Patent ID: 7760517

Claim:
A converter for an ion propulsion system, comprising: a bridge circuit with a first and second bridge circuit connection, the bridge circuit comprising four switches, each having a first and second connection, the first connection of a first and third switch respectively being connected to the first bridge circuit connection, the second connection of the first switch being connected to the first connection of a second switch, the second connection of the third switch being connected to the first connection of a fourth switch, and the second connection of the second and fourth switch respectively being connected to the second bridge circuit connection; a storage inductance and a high voltage transformer with a primary and a secondary winding, the primary winding and the storage inductance being connected in series with the second connection of the first switch and the first connection of the fourth switch, and the secondary winding being connected to an output of the converter; an auxiliary inductance connected between the primary winding of the high voltage transformer and the first connection of the fourth switch; and a switch control unit, which opens or closes the fourth switch at a control time that is delayed in relation to opening or closing of the first switch.