Patent ID: 6940319

Claim:
A device for controlling a voltage-controlled switch, the device comprising a first circuit for setting to a high level a control terminal of the voltage-controlled switch and a second circuit for setting to a low level the control terminal of the voltage-controlled switch; wherein the first circuit comprises: a first power transistor capable of connecting the control terminal of the voltage-controlled switch to a high voltage; a first bipolar control transistor having its emitter connected to the control terminal of the first power transistor, the base of the first control transistor being adapted to receive a control current; a first diode having a cathode connected to a first predetermined voltage smaller than the high voltage, and having its anode connected to the base of the first control transistor; a first output terminal capable of being connected to the control terminal of the voltage-controlled switch; the first power and first control transistors being first and second NPN-type bipolar transistors forming a Darlington assembly arranged between the first output terminal and the high voltage; the anode of the first diode being connected to the base of the first control transistor via a first controllable circuit breaker; and the first circuit also comprising means for enabling a control block to successively; a/ apply the control current to the Darlington assembly and turn on the first circuit breaker; and b/ after a first predetermined duration, turn off the first circuit breaker.