Patent ID: 8278892

Claim:
A converter for converting a DC input voltage, the converter comprising: two input lines adapted to receive the DC input voltage; at least one normally off semiconductor switch which is not conductive without application of a first control voltage to its gate and which is provided in one of the input lines; an electric circuitry connected to the input lines and including at least one normally on semiconductor switch which is conductive without application of a second control voltage to its gate; and a controller which, in operation of the converter, operates the at least one normally on semiconductor switch of the electric circuitry by temporarily applying the second control voltage to its gate; and controls the at least one normally off semiconductor switch in the one input line by applying the first control voltage to its gate without switching it under load; wherein any normally on semiconductor switch of the electric circuitry, in operation of the converter, is operated by the controller by temporarily applying the second control voltage to its gate, and wherein any normally on semiconductor switch of the electric circuitry is spatially separated from any normally off semiconductor switch, thereby establishing a thermal isolation therebetween.