The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 20, 2011
Filed:
Oct. 23, 2008
Keming Chen, Torrance, CA (US);
Christopher P. Henze, Lakeville, MN (US);
Stephen Raiser, Wiesbaden, DE;
George R. Woody, Redondo Beach, CA (US);
Keming Chen, Torrance, CA (US);
Christopher P. Henze, Lakeville, MN (US);
Stephen Raiser, Wiesbaden, DE;
George R. Woody, Redondo Beach, CA (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for discharging a high-voltage bus using semiconductor devices. A discharge system for a first voltage rail and a second voltage rail comprises a first semiconductor device coupled to a first voltage rail and a second semiconductor device coupled between the first semiconductor device and a second voltage rail. A control circuit is coupled to the first semiconductor device and the second semiconductor device. In response to a discharge condition, the control circuit is configured to activate the first semiconductor device and gradually activate the second semiconductor device, such that the energy potential between the first voltage rail and the second voltage rail is gradually dissipated through the semiconductor devices.