Patents by Inventor Claudio de Sa e Silva

Claudio de Sa e Silva has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5206540
    Abstract: A transformer isolated circuit for driving a semiconductor power switch includes a transformer which is driven with a high frequency Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal in such a way that the constantly present PWM carrier supplies the power needed for high gate current pulses, while different duty cycles determine the "on" or "off" state of the power device under control. Transformer saturation is prevented by sensing primary current and returning it to zero once per PWM cycle. Because of the high PWM carrier frequency used, the average transformer power is low, yet the secondary side is able to deliver high pulse currents for fast "on-off" switching of the gate of even the largest N- or P-channel device, without need for auxiliary power supplies. Also included are provisions for extremely fast output current limiting, for use where short circuit protection is necessary. Discussion of a monolithic implementation is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Unitrode Corporation
    Inventors: Claudio de Sa e Silva, Jeffrey D. Putsch, Varnum S. Holland, Wilburn M. Miller