Abstract: A method for driving a controllable power semiconductor switch, having a first input terminal and first and second output terminals coupled to a voltage supply and a load, the first and second output terminals providing an output of the power semiconductor switch, includes adjusting a gradient of switch-off edges of an output current and an output voltage of the power semiconductor switch by a voltage source arrangement coupled to the input terminal. A gradient of switch-on edges of an output current and an output voltage is adjusted by a controllable current source arrangement that is coupled to the input terminal and generates a gate drive current. The profile of the gate drive current from one switching operation to a subsequent switching operation, beginning at a rise in the output current and ending at a decrease in the output voltage, is varied at most within a predefined tolerance band.

Abstract: A method for driving a controllable power semiconductor switch, having a first input terminal and first and second output terminals coupled to a voltage supply and a load, the first and second output terminals providing an output of the power semiconductor switch, includes adjusting a gradient of switch-off edges of an output current and an output voltage of the power semiconductor switch by a voltage source arrangement coupled to the input terminal. A gradient of switch-on edges of an output current and an output voltage is adjusted by a controllable current source arrangement that is coupled to the input terminal and generates a gate drive current. The profile of the gate drive current from one switching operation to a subsequent switching operation, beginning at a rise in the output current and ending at a decrease in the output voltage, is varied at most within a predefined tolerance band.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for driving a semiconductor switching element. The apparatus is configured to monitor at least one state variable of the semiconductor switching element, to switch off the semiconductor switching element in at least two stages, and to receive both a first parameter and a second parameter, the first and second parameters affecting how the state is monitored. The apparatus is further configured to receive both a third parameter and a fourth parameter, the third and fourth parameters affecting a two-stage switching-off operation of the semiconductor switching element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for driving a semiconductor switching element. The apparatus is configured to monitor at least one state variable of the semiconductor switching element, to switch off the semiconductor switching element in at least two stages, and to receive both a first parameter and a second parameter, the first and second parameters affecting how the state is monitored. The apparatus is further configured to receive both a third parameter and a fourth parameter, the third and fourth parameters affecting a two-stage switching-off operation of the semiconductor switching element.

Abstract: A switched mode power supply includes a primary coil, a switch element, a secondary circuit, and a control circuit. The switch element is wired in series with the primary coil, for applying a DC voltage to the primary coil according to a control signal. The secondary circuit is coupled to the primary coil with output terminals providing an output voltage. The control circuit prepares the control signal with a feedback signal dependent on the output voltage supplied to the control circuit. The control circuit includes a signal generation circuit to create the control signal and a protection circuit. The protection circuit has the effect that no control signal is delivered to the switch element, if the feedback signal reaches the value of a first reference signal after a first period after starting the control circuit.

Abstract: A switched mode power supply includes a primary coil, a switch element, a secondary circuit, and a control circuit. The switch element is wired in series with the primary coil, for applying a DC voltage to the primary coil according to a control signal. The secondary circuit is coupled to the primary coil with output terminals providing an output voltage. The control circuit prepares the control signal with a feedback signal dependent on the output voltage supplied to the control circuit. The control circuit includes a signal generation circuit to create the control signal and a protection circuit. The protection circuit has the effect that no control signal is delivered to the switch element, if the feedback signal reaches the value of a first reference signal after a first period after starting the control circuit.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for contactless detection of the rpm of a rotating gear wheel includes two identical firmly mounted and magnetically prestressed Hall sensors being mutually spaced apart by a center distance equal to one-half the tooth pitch of a gear wheel whose rpm is to be detected. Each of the Hall sensors includes at least one pair of identical Hall generators having signal paths and being driven with an impressed control current or impressed control voltage. Voltage/current converters are each coupled to the signal path of a respective one of the Hall generators and each have an output. An evaluation circuit links together the outputs of the voltage/current converters connected to one of the Hall sensors and the outputs of the voltage/current converters connected to the other of the Hall sensors in phase opposition.

Abstract: A filter circuit suitable for integration has first and second voltage/current converters. A signal source is coupled to the first voltage/current converter. A capacitor is coupled to the second voltage/current converter. An amplifier is coupled to the capacitor and has an output forming a filter output. The voltage/current converters have outputs fed to the capacitor in phase opposition to one another.