Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a multi-level converter includes detecting a charge state of charge storage units of series connected converter units, assigning parameter sets to the converter units based on the detected charge states, and generating control signals coupled to switch arrangements of the converter units based on the parameter sets.

Abstract: A circuit includes a first half bridge including a first controllable semiconductor switch and a first diode. The first controllable semiconductor switch is coupled between a first constant supply potential and a center tap of the first half bridge. The first diode is coupled between the center tap and a constant reference potential. A second half bridge includes a second diode and a second controllable semiconductor switch. The second diode is coupled between a second constant potential higher than the first potential and a center tap of the second half bridge. The second controllable semiconductor switch is coupled between the center tap and the constant reference potential. Driver circuitry controls the conducting state of the first and the second semiconductor switch thus controlling the current flow through a field connectable between the center taps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for actuating the switching transistors of a rectifier which is provided for converting the phase voltages that are provided by a vehicle generator into a direct current voltage. Each switching transistor comprises a parasitic diode. An activation signal for initiating the conducting phase and a de-activation signal for ending the conducting phase are supplied to each control terminal of the switching transistors. A timer is started simultaneously with the provision of an activation signal and the de-activation signal is provided once a predetermined time period has passed.

Abstract: A circuit includes a first half bridge including a first controllable semiconductor switch and a first diode. The first controllable semiconductor switch is coupled between a first constant supply potential and a center tap of the first half bridge. The first diode is coupled between the center tap and a constant reference potential. A second half bridge includes a second diode and a second controllable semiconductor switch. The second diode is coupled between a second constant potential higher than the first potential and a center tap of the second half bridge. The second controllable semiconductor switch is coupled between the center tap and the constant reference potential. Driver circuitry controls the conducting state of the first and the second semiconductor switch thus controlling the current flow through a field connectable between the center taps.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement includes a half-bridge with a high-side switch and a low-side switch, each switch including a control terminal and a load path. The load paths of the high-side switch and the low-side switch are coupled in series between a terminal for a supply potential and a terminal for a reference potential a high-side driver operable to provide a high-side drive signal received at the control terminal of the high-side switch. The high-side driver includes supply terminals a charge storage device coupled between the supply terminals of the high-side driver. A control circuit includes a charging circuit, a switching element and a drive circuit operable to switch on the switching element dependent on at least one operation parameter of the circuit arrangement.

Abstract: A circuit includes a first half bridge including a first controllable semiconductor switch and a first diode. The first controllable semiconductor switch is coupled between a first constant supply potential and a center tap of the first half bridge. The first diode is coupled between the center tap and a constant reference potential. A second half bridge includes a second diode and a second controllable semiconductor switch. The second diode is coupled between a second constant potential higher than the first potential and a center tap of the second half bridge. The second controllable semiconductor switch is coupled between the center tap and the constant reference potential. Driver circuitry controls the conducting state of the first and the second semiconductor switch thus controlling the current flow through a field connectable between the center taps.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a circuit arrangement is provided which includes a bridge circuit having at least two field effect transistors and a measurement circuit configured to measure a forward voltage of a body diode of any one of the at least two field effect transistors resulting from a predefined current flowing through the field effect transistor.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a circuit includes voltage supply terminals configured to provide an AC output voltage, at least two converter units, and a control circuit. Each converter unit includes input terminals configured to be connected to an electrical charge storage unit, output terminals, and a switch arrangement connected between the input and output terminals. The switch arrangement is configured to receive a control signal, and provide an output voltage having a duty-cycle dependent on the control signal. The control circuit is configured to provide a set of parameter sets that are dependent on a desired output voltage waveform, define a duty-cycle, and generate the control signals for the at least two converter units such that one parameter set is selected from the set of parameter sets is assigned to one converter unit, and the assignment of parameter sets to the converter stages varies over time.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a circuit includes voltage supply terminals configured to provide an AC output voltage, at least two converter units, and a control circuit. Each converter unit includes input terminals configured to be connected to an electrical charge storage unit, output terminals, and a switch arrangement connected between the input and output terminals. The switch arrangement is configured to receive a control signal, and provide an output voltage having a duty-cycle dependent on the control signal. The control circuit is configured to provide a set of parameter sets that are dependent on a desired output voltage waveform, define a duty-cycle, and generate the control signals for the at least two converter units such that one parameter set is selected from the set of parameter sets is assigned to one converter unit, and the assignment of parameter sets to the converter stages varies over time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control circuit and a corresponding method for controlling MOSFETs coupled to the control circuit. The MOSFETs are coupled to a load to couple the load to a power supply, or the MOSFETs are coupled to a generator. In case of inverted polarity, the control circuit switches the MOSFETs to their conducting state to prevent damaging the MOSFETs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit arrangement including at least one multi-level-converter.

Abstract: A circuit includes a first half bridge including a first controllable semiconductor switch and a first diode. The first controllable semiconductor switch is coupled between a first constant supply potential and a center tap of the first half bridge. The first diode is coupled between the center tap and a constant reference potential. A second half bridge includes a second diode and a second controllable semiconductor switch. The second diode is coupled between a second constant potential higher than the first potential and a center tap of the second half bridge. The second controllable semiconductor switch is coupled between the center tap and the constant reference potential. Driver circuitry controls the conducting state of the first and the second semiconductor switch thus controlling the current flow through a field connectable between the center taps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control circuit and a corresponding method for controlling MOSFETs coupled to the control circuit. The MOSFETs are coupled to a load to couple the load to a power supply, or the MOSFETs are coupled to a generator. In case of inverted polarity, the control circuit switches the MOSFETs to their conducting state to prevent damaging the MOSFETs.

Abstract: A motor is controlled by a motor control signal so that it reaches a target state, which is derived from sensor data sensed by a sensor. The motor can be put into a rest state at the occurrence of an error in simple and efficient manner by means of a safety means generating an alternative motor control signal at the occurrence of the error. Thus, the underlying idea is, instead of redundantly embodying components, to consciously accept a failure and integrate a corresponding fall-back solution into the overall concept. The failure is detected, and the motor is switched off in a user-manageable manner by a targeted shutdown.

Abstract: A motor is controlled by a motor control signal so that it reaches a target state, which is derived from sensor data sensed by a sensor. The motor can be put into a rest state at the occurrence of an error in simple and efficient manner by means of a safety means generating an alternative motor control signal at the occurrence of the error. Thus, the underlying idea is, instead of redundantly embodying components, to consciously accept a failure and integrate a corresponding fall-back solution into the overall concept. The failure is detected, and the motor is switched off in a user-manageable manner by a targeted shutdown.