Patent ID: 8050000

Claim:
A system comprising: a micro-electromechanical system switch; a balanced diode bridge configured to suppress arc formation between contacts of the micro-electromechanical system switch; a pulse circuit coupled to the balanced diode bridge, the pulse circuit comprising a pulse capacitor adapted to form a pulse signal for causing flow of a pulse current through the balanced diode bridge, the pulse signal being generated in response to a switch condition in a load circuit coupled to the micro-electromechanical system switch; energy-absorbing circuitry coupled in a parallel circuit with the pulse circuit, the energy-absorbing circuitry comprising an energy-absorbing capacitor and a diode connected in series, the energy-absorbing capacitor being charged to store an initial voltage value prior to the switch condition and the diode being so connected as to be in a reverse-biased state when the energy- absorbing capacitor is charged to store the initial voltage value, and in a conductive state when a voltage developed across the diode bridge reaches the initial voltage value stored in the energy- absorbing capacitor; and wherein the energy-absorbing capacitor is further adapted to absorb electrical energy from the load circuit and not affect pulse signal formation by the pulse circuit, and the conductive state of the diode in the energy-absorbing circuitry causes the energy absorbing capacitor to receive current from the load circuit only after the voltage across the diode bridge surpasses the initial voltage value.