Abstract: A bridge leg switching a DC voltage to produce an AC voltage at its output terminal for supply to an inductive load. The bridge leg has first, second, third, and fourth switch assemblies, and at least a first inductive element. The first and second switch assemblies are serially connected between the bridge leg input terminals, the bridge leg output being formed at a point of interconnection of the first and second switch assemblies. The third and fourth switch assemblies are serially connected between the bridge leg input terminals, the inductive element being connected between a point of interconnection of the third and fourth switch assemblies and the bridge leg output. The third and fourth switch assemblies are controlled such that reverse current through either of the first or second switch assembly is reduced compared to bridge leg output current prior to the moment the bridge leg output is switched.

Abstract: It is presented an inverter type motor drive device for feeding three phase AC electric power to an electric motor, the inverter type motor drive device comprising: an insulated metal substrate board on which, for each of the three phases, a plurality of power switches are mounted in straight lines in switch assemblies along a first direction; a printed circuit board on which a plurality of capacitors are mounted; and two DC power input terminals. The inverter type motor drive device further comprises three AC power output terminals, each extending through the printed circuit board while avoiding galvanic contact with the printed circuit board, and each of the three AC power output terminals comprise an elongated AC busbar, wherein a longitudinal direction of the AC busbar extends along the first direction.

Abstract: A drive unit for power control of electric motors comprises a circuit board (10) with surface leads and a number of logic components as well as power controlling semi-conductors (11), and two or more power distribution bars (16) which extend along the circuit board (10) and are connected to a power source and/or one or more motor connections. Each of the power distribution bars (16) is a sheet metal stamping formed with a number of integral connector pins (20) which are to be received in a number of apertures (22) in the circuit board (10) and rigidly connected to the surface leads for communication with the semi-conductors (11). Each one of the power distribution bars (16) is stamped from a flexible thin sheet metal and is folded along a longitudinal line (31) into two parallel sections (32,33). The connector pins (20) extend from a first one (32) of the two sections (32,33).

Abstract: A power steering system for a vehicle which has one or more steerable wheels (10) includes a manually operable steering wheel (12), a first angle sensing device (16) connected to the steering wheel (12), a servo motor (13) connected to the steering wheel or wheels (10), associated with the servo motor (13), and a control unit (17) for receiving signals from the first angle sensing device (16) and for energizing the servo motor (13).