Abstract: A stimulation circuit generates magnetic stimulation for application to a body organ using a coil arrangement. A DC supply is provided and supplied to a DC/AC inverter that comprises abridge inverter stage comprising plural switch modules connected in a bridge arrangement between input terminals and output terminals for supplying the stimulation signal. A driver circuit supplies pulse width modulation control signals to the switch modules that are selected to control the DC/AC inverter to generate the stimulation signal with pulse width modulation of voltage, thereby providing for a high degree of control of the form of the stimulation.

Abstract: An electrical device comprising: a first current path having a primary switch therein, and means for coupling to an electrical supply; and a diversionary current path having semiconductor switching means therein, the semiconductor switching means being operable to bypass the primary switch; the device being arranged such that, in use, a first current flowing from the supply along the first current path can be diverted, on the operation of the semiconductor switching means, along the diversionary current path, bypassing the primary switch; wherein the diversionary current path comprises a controllable electrical supply operable to supply a second current whilst the semiconductor switching means are in a state of conduction, the second current being such as to cause substantially zero current to flow through the primary switch, such that the primary switch can then be opened under a condition of substantially zero load current.