Semikron Elektronik Gmbh &co.kg

Sacha Pawel

Reinhard Herzer

Llja Pawel

An integrated circuit configuration is provided comprising a primary side and a secondary side, for actuating power switches disposed in bridge circuit topology as well as an associated method. The primary side comprises a signal processing means and a level shifter for the potential-free actuation of the secondary side. The secondary side, in turn, comprises a signal processing means as well as a driver stage for the TOP switch. For the detection of the switched state of the TOP switch on the primary side, this side comprises a circuit section for the detection and interpretation of a current flow through a level shifter. A first lower threshold value of this current through the level shifter detected on the primary side is assigned to the not-switched-on TOP switch of the bridge circuit, and a second upper threshold value of this current through the level shifter detected on the primary side is assigned to the switched-on TOP switch of the bridge circuit.

Circuit configuration with error detection for the actuation of power semiconductor switches and associated method

The invention relates to an integrated circuit configuration proposed for the actuation of power switches disposed in bridge connection and an associated method. The primary side of this circuit configuration is herein connected with the secondary side, which actuates the TOP switch, via a level shifter. The circuit configuration comprises furthermore between the primary side and a secondary side a diode for error status conveyance from the secondary side to the primary side. The anode-side terminal of the diode is connected with the primary side and its cathode-side terminal with the secondary side of the driver circuit. The primary side applies a voltage to this diode. In the presence of error-free operation the secondary side applies level 'high' (Vd) to the cathode of the diode and, in the presence of faulty operation, level 'low' (Vg). The error status on the secondary side is detected by the primary side thereby that a current flow takes place through the diode, since the secondary side is approximately at ground reference potential via the open BOT switch or via the high-ohmic resistor.

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Gotha, Germany

Sacha Pawel