Abstract: A high-power semiconductor module is disclosed, which can include a high-power semiconductor device mounted on the module and at least two electrical connections. The module can include a short-circuit device mounted on the module. The short-circuit device can generate a persistent electrically conducting path between the two electrical connections upon receiving a trigger signal by electrically destroying a semiconductor of the high-power semiconductor module.

Abstract: A high-power semiconductor module is disclosed, which can include a high-power semiconductor device mounted on the module and at least two electrical connections. The module can include a short-circuit device mounted on the module. The short-circuit device can generate a persistent electrically conducting path between the two electrical connections upon receiving a trigger signal by electrically destroying a semiconductor of the high-power semiconductor module.

Abstract: A cascaded electric power converter and a method of operating a cascaded electric power converter are disclosed. The cascaded converter includes: a converter cell including a cell capacitor and at least one phase leg having at least two electric valves, the at least one phase leg being connected in parallel to the cell capacitor; and a control system for controlling the switching of the electric valves of the at least one phase leg. The control system is configured to, upon detection of a need to by-pass the converter cell, control the switching of the electric valves in a manner so that the cell capacitor is short circuited via a phase leg, so as to obtain a current surge through the phase leg, thereby creating a permanent current path through the converter cell.

Abstract: A cascaded electric power converter and a method of operating a cascaded electric power converter are disclosed. The cascaded converter includes: a converter cell including a cell capacitor and at least one phase leg having at least two electric valves, the at least one phase leg being connected in parallel to the cell capacitor; and a control system for controlling the switching of the electric valves of the at least one phase leg. The control system is configured to, upon detection of a need to by-pass the converter cell, control the switching of the electric valves in a manner so that the cell capacitor is short circuited via a phase leg, so as to obtain a current surge through the phase leg, thereby creating a permanent current path through the converter cell.