Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly provided with an insulation transformer, which acts as an insulation barrier between two electrical systems. The printed circuit board (PCB) assembly has at least two separate PCB sections, and the insulation transformer is used as a support structure to mechanically interconnect the sections. Since the PCB sections are separated, the PCB sections no longer affect the creepage distance for the insulation barrier. Instead the insulating material and the physical design of the transformer determines the minimum required creepage distance. The insulating material of the transformer generally has a considerably higher CTI value than the PCB material, leading to a relatively short creepage distance being required. By breaking the creepage path on the PCB, the size of transformer will be substantially reduced compared to the prior art arrangements.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling voltage-charge controlled power semiconductor devices in converting electric power comprises members (18-25) adapted to detect selected parameters describing the function of the power semiconductor device through the connection to the power semiconductor device. The apparatus has also means (26) adapted to compare the value of the selected function parameters detected with reference levels thereof, a programmable circuit (16) adapted to generate said reference levels for comparison and process data resulting from the comparison so as to on the basis thereof on its output deliver a digital signal corresponding to an order of a predetermined current level to or from the gate of the device, and a current stiff amplifier (30) being digitally controlled and adapted to receive the digital signal from the programmable circuit and on the basis thereof generate a current to or from the gate of the power semiconductor device with said predetermined current level for controlling the device.