Abstract: A DC voltage switch may include: a first node and a second node for series integration into a pole of a DC voltage line; a third node for the other pole of the line; a mechanical switch between the first and second nodes; a pulse-current module in parallel with the switch; four semiconductor switches connected as bridges comprising two series of two semiconductor switches; a pulse-current capacitor in parallel with the two series; and a switchable semiconductor element. The pulse-current module includes three module nodes. Potential points between the semiconductor switches of the two series correspond to the first and second module node and the outer ends of the two series of in each case two of the semiconductor switches are connected in pairs to a fourth module node and a fifth module node and the semiconductor element is between the fifth and third module node.

Abstract: A DC voltage switch may include: a first node and a second node for series integration into a pole of a DC voltage line; a third node for the other pole of the line; a mechanical switch between the first and second nodes; a pulse-current module in parallel with the switch; four semiconductor switches connected as bridges comprising two series of two semiconductor switches; a pulse-current capacitor in parallel with the two series; and a switchable semiconductor element. The pulse-current module includes three module nodes. Potential points between the semiconductor switches of the two series correspond to the first and second module node and the outer ends of the two series of in each case two of the semiconductor switches are connected in pairs to a fourth module node and a fifth module node and the semiconductor element is between the fifth and third module node.

Abstract: Methods and devices for balancing voltages of capacitors in an electronic circuit are provided. The device includes a chopper circuit having a chopper inductor. Further, the chopper circuit may detect voltages across capacitors as well as an output current of the electronic circuit. In addition, the device may include a chopper control unit receiving the output current then generating a signal representing charging of the chopper inductor based on the output current. Also, the chopper control unit may receive the voltages across the capacitors and detect an imbalance between the voltages based on a polarity of the output current. Additionally, the chopper control unit may transfer of charge between the two capacitors, using the chopper inductor. Further, the chopper inductor is substantially discharged, during the transfer of charge between the capacitors.

Abstract: Methods and devices for balancing voltages of capacitors in an electronic circuit are provided. The device includes a chopper circuit having a chopper inductor. Further, the chopper circuit may detect voltages across capacitors as well as an output current of the electronic circuit. In addition, the device may include a chopper control unit receiving the output current then generating a signal representing charging of the chopper inductor based on the output current. Also, the chopper control unit may receive the voltages across the capacitors and detect an imbalance between the voltages based on a polarity of the output current. Additionally, the chopper control unit may transfer of charge between the two capacitors, using the chopper inductor. Further, the chopper inductor is substantially discharged, during the transfer of charge between the capacitors.