Abstract: A method for monitoring a protective device, which has a series circuit of a multiplicity of thyristors. The protective device has a series circuit of N>1 thyristors. The series circuit is connected in a parallel circuit with an electrical device to be protected. A snubber branch is connected in parallel with each thyristor. For the purpose of testing a firing capacity, n<N thyristors in a first thyristor group are fired when a positive voltage is present across the series circuit and a negative snubber current is flowing through the snubber branches of the thyristors in the first thyristor group.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a protective device, which has a series circuit of a multiplicity of thyristors. The protective device has a series circuit of N>1 thyristors. The series circuit is connected in a parallel circuit with an electrical device to be protected. A snubber branch is connected in parallel with each thyristor. For the purpose of testing a firing capacity, n<N thyristors in a first thyristor group are fired when a positive voltage is present across the series circuit and a negative snubber current is flowing through the snubber branches of the thyristors in the first thyristor group.

Abstract: An electric short-circuit device has a first electric contact piece, a second electric contact piece, and a component made of an electrical semiconductor crystalline material which blocks the flow of an electric current between the first contact piece and the second contact piece in at least one direction. An actuator is configured to apply a mechanical force to the component in response to an electric trigger signal and thereby at least partly destroy the crystalline structure of the component.

Abstract: An electric short-circuit device has a first electric contact piece, a second electric contact piece, and a component made of an electrical semiconductor crystalline material which blocks the flow of an electric current between the first contact piece and the second contact piece in at least one direction. An actuator is configured to apply a mechanical force to the component in response to an electric trigger signal and thereby at least partly destroy the crystalline structure of the component.

Abstract: A power converter circuit for generating a supply voltage for a power semiconductor switch. A series circuit formed of a diode unit having diodes connected in reverse and a protection circuit is connected in parallel with the power semiconductor switch. The diode voltage generates a feed voltage that is transformed, rectified, and provided as a supply voltage.