Abstract: A drive circuit includes a first input terminal configured to receive a first input signal, a first output terminal configured to provide a first drive signal, a second output terminal configured to provide a second drive signal, and a mode selection terminal configured to have a mode selection element connected thereto. The drive circuit is configured to generate the first and second drive signals dependent on the first input signal such that there is a dead time between a time when one of the first and second drive signals assumes an off-level and a time when the other one of the first and second drive signals assumes an on-level, and evaluate at least one electrical parameter of the mode selection element and is configured to adjust a first signal range of the first drive signal and a second signal range of the second drive signal dependent on the evaluated parameter and to adjust the dead time dependent on the evaluated parameter.

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: 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: A drive circuit includes a first input terminal configured to receive a first input signal, a first output terminal configured to provide a first drive signal, a second output terminal configured to provide a second drive signal, and a mode selection terminal configured to have a mode selection element connected thereto. The drive circuit is configured to generate the first and second drive signals dependent on the first input signal such that there is a dead time between a time when one of the first and second drive signals assumes an off-level and a time when the other one of the first and second drive signals assumes an on-level, and evaluate at least one electrical parameter of the mode selection element and is configured to adjust a first signal range of the first drive signal and a second signal range of the second drive signal dependent on the evaluated parameter and to adjust the dead time dependent on the evaluated parameter.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a load that may include, for instance, a semiconductor chip, comprising a first switch, and a fracture sensor. The apparatus may further include, for instance, a circuit disposed outside the semiconductor chip and comprising a second switch coupled in series with the first switch, and configured such that an on/off state of the second switch is set in accordance with a state of the fracture sensor.

Abstract: A generator control circuit is disclosed. One embodiment provides a first active switching circuit configured to connect a first terminal of an excitation coil either to a first or to a second terminal of a voltage source, a second active switching circuit configured to connect a second terminal of the excitation coil either to the first or to the second terminal of the voltage source, and a generator controller to set the duty cycle of the active switching circuit to rapidly control the current through the excitation coil to an excitation coil current setpoint.

Abstract: A generator control circuit is disclosed. One embodiment provides a first active switching circuit configured to connect a first terminal of an excitation coil either to a first or to a second terminal of a voltage source, a second active switching circuit configured to connect a second terminal of the excitation coil either to the first or to the second terminal of the voltage source, and a generator controller to set the duty cycle of the active switching circuit to rapidly control the current through the excitation coil to an excitation coil current setpoint.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a load that may include, for instance, a semiconductor chip, comprising a first switch, and a fracture sensor. The apparatus may further include, for instance, a circuit disposed outside the semiconductor chip and comprising a second switch coupled in series with the first switch, and configured such that an on/off state of the second switch is set in accordance with a state of the fracture sensor.