Abstract: An apparatus includes a DC-DC converter having a semiconductor switch and a current source, wherein the DC-DC converter includes a commutation resonant circuit that is at least partially determined by parasitic characteristics of the DC-DC converter. The apparatus includes a driving unit configured to switch the semiconductor switch by performing a switching process. The driving unit is configured to perform the switching process with a switching duration that is shorter than a cycle duration of a resonant frequency of the commutation resonant circuit. Furthermore, the driving unit is configured to select a time instant of the switching process such that a current provided by the current source generates an overshoot at the semiconductor switch of at most 30% with respect to an idle state of the semiconductor switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical circuit arrangement with an active discharge circuit including at least one electrical switching element, by means of which the circuit arrangement can be discharged in controlled manner. The circuit arrangement includes a RC snubber element with capacitor and resistor for damping voltage or current peaks in the circuit arrangement, wherein the electrical switching element is integrated in the RC snubber element and connected in parallel to the capacitor of the RC snubber. This enables the discharge circuit to be designed in a manner that is economical in terms of space and cost. The discharge circuit uses the heat sink for the RC snubber element and therefore does not need any additional heat dissipation systems.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a DC-DC converter having a semiconductor switch and a current source, wherein the DC-DC converter includes a commutation resonant circuit that is at least partially determined by parasitic characteristics of the DC-DC converter. The apparatus includes a driving unit configured to switch the semiconductor switch by performing a switching process. The driving unit is configured to perform the switching process with a switching duration that is shorter than a cycle duration of a resonant frequency of the commutation resonant circuit. Furthermore, the driving unit is configured to select a time instant of the switching process such that a current provided by the current source generates an overshoot at the semiconductor switch of at most 30% with respect to an idle state of the semiconductor switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical circuit arrangement with an active discharge circuit including at least one electrical switching element, by means of which the circuit arrangement can be discharged in controlled manner. The circuit arrangement includes a RC snubber element with capacitor and resistor for damping voltage or current peaks in the circuit arrangement, wherein the electrical switching element is integrated in the RC snubber element and connected in parallel to the capacitor of the RC snubber. This enables the discharge circuit to be designed in a manner that is economical in terms of space and cost. The discharge circuit uses the heat sink for the RC snubber element and therefore does not need any additional heat dissipation systems.