Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the base current of a power transistor comprising an adjustable driver stage which provides the drive power for switching on the power transistor at its base lead. A coupling diode is provided which taps off the voltage at the output of the power transistor. A saturation level control operates in parallel to the adjustable driver stage. A control current is supplied through a coupling diode when the voltage at the output of the power transistor signifies a system variable. The control current forms an auxiliary manipulated variable which adjusts the driver's output so as to supply the power transistor with exactly the right amount of drive power. The power transistor is thereby operated with the desired level of saturation, and particularly at the edge of saturation.

Abstract: An inverter in accordance with the present invention includes a plurality of bipolar transistors (102) with each bipolar transistor having a freewheeling diode (108) poled in parallel with outputs of the bipolar transistor, a current transformer (112) in a positive feedback circuit (110) associated with each bipolar transistor causing a positive feedback to be applied from an output of the inverter to a base of each bipolar transistor to provide a base drive proportional to current flowing in a load coupled to the bipolar transistors, a rectifier (120), disposed in each of the positive feedback circuits for permitting current to flow to the base of the bipolar transistor when the bipolar transistor is conductive and blocking flow of current from the base to the emitter when the bipolar transistor is not forward biased.

Abstract: An FET bridge protection circuit preventing shoot-through caused from both FETs being biased on at the same time, while also maximizing the frequency at which the bridge output can alternate between high and low is described.

Abstract: A pre-drive circuit for controlling turn-on/turn-off of a MOS-type field-effect transistor via a pulse transformer has an element provided between the secondary side of the pulse transformer and the MOS-type field-effect transistor for electrically isolating the pulse transfomer from the MOS-type field-effect transistor when the gate-drain voltage of the MOS-type field-effect transistor becomes negative to a certain degree. Thus, the arrangement is such that the gate-drain voltage of the MOS-type field-effect transistor will not become excessively negative.

Abstract: A circuit for recirculating an inductive load's (L) discharge current through the driving power switching transistor (Tpw) utilizes a control transistor (Tc) of opposite polarity to that of the power transistor and capable of withstanding a minimum fraction (1/.beta.) of the discharge current. The circuit has the advantage of allowing recirculation of current with a fixed overvoltage independent of the value of the supply voltage, without requiring additional power devices. The circuit may also be provided with means (D1, D2 and DZ1) to turn-on the control transistor in the presence of concomitant supply overvoltages to protect the power device from dumping effects.

Abstract: An inductively loaded switching transistor circuit for use in the DC-DC converter includes an inductive load and a switching transistor coupled to the inductive load for conducting current flowing therethrough when the switching transistor is on. A drive circuit is provided which is coupled to the switching transistor for supplying a drive current thereto, and feedback means are provided for adjusting the amount of base drive supplied to the switching transistor from the drive circuit. The drive current is varied substantially linearly with respect to the current flowing through the inductive load.

Abstract: A bridge base control circuit for a power switch. At the switching off, the base is connected with a reference terminal (M) through a first switching means (T2) having a low impedance and the emitter is connected with a supply terminal (Vcc) through a second switching means for allowing the reverse current to flow through the base-emitter junction. The second switching means has a low impedance as long as the voltage V.sub.BE is low, immediately after its switching on and that of the first switching means, and a high impedance (R1) as soon as the emitter voltage is approaching the supply voltage (VCC), this transition being automatically carried out.

Abstract: A drive circuit controls application of alternating current power to a load. The drive circuit includes an oscillator which applies a high frequency signal to a first input of a logic gate. A control signal is applied to a second input of the gate to enable the gate. A first capacitor is connected to the output of the logic gate. A rectifier connected to the first capacitor rectifies the signal from the first capacitor. A low-pass filter connected to the rectifier removes the high frequency components from the signal. A solid state switch has a switching input connected to the low-pass filter output, which switches the device into a conducting state. This circuit is particularly suited for use where many solid state switches share the same common terminal.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for switching an internal bus of an integrated circuit between an input/output pad on the integrated circuit and a circuit node of the integrated circuit. A first switch is connected between the input/output pad and the internal bus. A second switch is connected between the circuit node and the internal bus. A high voltage detector senses the presence or absence of a voltage exceeding a preselected threshold on the input-output pad. The high voltage detector assumes a first state if the voltage on the input/output pad exceeds the preselected threshold, and assumes a second state if the voltage on the input/output pad does not exceed the preselected threshold. Switch control circuitry responsive to the high voltage detector activates either the first or second switch depending upon the output of the high voltage detector. Circuitry is provided to prevent the first and second switches from being active simultaneously and for lowering the capacitance of the input/output pad.

Abstract: A switching regulator for controlling an output voltage by a pulse width of a switching element such as a transistor and the like at a primary side of the switching regulator. The switching regulator is provided with a feedback element which converts an output voltage at a secondary side into a feedback current, and controls an amount of charge of a capacitor (C3) to control a time for which the transistor (Q1) is kept on at the primary side and an amount of charge of a speed-up capacitor (C2) at the primary side. When a small load is imposed, an excessive increase in the output voltage can be prevented by controlling an amount of charge on the capacitor (3) to control the keeping-on-time and an amount of charge of the speed-up capacitor (C2) at the primary side. This also shortens the time for which the transistor (Q1) at the primary side is kept on.

Abstract: A gate driver circuit is provided for push-pull power transistors. Inverse square wave signals are provided to each of the driver circuits for activating the power transistors. The combination of an inductor and diodes provides a delay for activating the corresponding power transistor at a positive transition of the control signal, but do not have a significant delay at the negative transition. This provides protection to prevent the power transistors from being activated concurrently while having lower power loss at high drive frequencies. The control terminal for each power transistor is connected to a voltage clamping circuit to prevent the negative transition from exceeding a predetermined limit.

Abstract: The circuit according to the invention controls the supply to an inductive load by a power transistor of the N-channel MOS type, placed on the side of the positive terminal of a supply source delivering a voltage +Vbat. The conduction of the transistor is maintained by means of a gate voltage Vs>+Vbat supplied by a voltage multiplier. On cutting off this voltage, there is blocking of the transistor and discharge of the load, which rapidly develops a high negative voltage. An interconnecting transistor than prevents the return to conduction of the power transistor while, according to the invention, a transistor of the P-channel MOS type isolates the gate of the interconnecting transistor to authorize the application to said gate of the negative voltage developed by the inductive load. The invention has application to the control of actuators for the automobile industry.

Abstract: A self oscillating converter with regenerative switching includes circuitry to enhance the gain of circuity to turn off a MOSFET power switch and enhance the regenerative action culminating in turn off in order to eliminate bursting at low loads. The MOSFET power switching device turn off circuitry includes the addition of a supplementary drive transistor operative for counteracting the effects of the parasitic capacitances of the MOSFET power switching device. This permits the converter to operate with the shorter on times and to provide a low ripple output at very low load.

Abstract: A power integrated-circuit device is protected against load voltage surges. This is done by providing an alternate current-carrying path that is activated only in response to the occurrence of such surges. This alternate path is independent of and separate from the connection that extends between the device and its power supply source. In addition, circuitry is connected to the device to limit the portion of the surge voltage that can appear across critical elements of the device.

Abstract: An electronic large current switch for a single power circuit has a DC-to-DC converter for low voltage transformation, the operation of which is controlled by a control switch or a periodic switching circuit and a switching transistor supplied with the low voltage output of the DC-to-DC converter as its base bias voltage and which controls the power supply to an electrical load circuit so as to be capable of minimzing the power loss of the switching transistor and making the product small and integrated.

Abstract: A constant current battery charger includes a bucking regulator comprising a power switch transistor, a diode, an inductor and a voltage sensitive switch with adjustable delay for controlling the power switch transistor. The hysteresis or delay is obtained with a Schmitt trigger and the effect is a stable pulse width modulator in which the duty cycle of the power switch transistor is varied. A current foldback circuit includes a zener diode coupled to the battery for changing the sensitivity of the switch to substantially reduce charging current when a battery voltage corresponding to a fully charged state is reached.

Abstract: A double-switched flyback power-converter has a primary winding of a power transformer connected between the output terminals of a high voltage DC power supply. A first switch is connected between the positive terminal of the power supply and a first end of the primary winding. A second switch is connected between the negative terminal of the power supply and a second end of the primary winding. During a primary conduction cycle, a current monitor senses the primary winding current and signals a control logic circuit at a predetermined current level. The control logic circuit turns off the second switch, forcing the power transformer into a flyback cycle. During the flyback cycle, energy stored in the primary winding of the power transformer is coupled over to the secondary windings. A major portion of the energy goes to a power output circuit, where it is rectified and filtered for output power use. The remainder of the energy is transferred to a charge pumping circuit at each switch.

Abstract: A solid state power controller is provided with an output circuit having a transistor which is connected between a pair of output terminals. Base current to the transistor is provided by a drive circuit which includes a pair of series connected diodes that provide biasing to offset the drive circuit and output transistor base voltage drops. Load current is sensed and a DC bias current is supplied to the diode pair, with the DC bias current being proportional to the load current. For bi-directional operation, a second output transistor is connected in series with the first output transistor and a pair of reverse series connected diode are connected in a circuit branch which parallels the two output transistors. Junction points between the output transistors and the reverse series connected diode circuit branch are connected together to provide for bidirectional load current flow.

Abstract: A constant current battery charger includes a bucking regulator comprising a power switch transistor, a diode, an inductor and a voltage sensitive switch with adjustable delay for controlling the power switch transistor. The hysteresis or delay is obtained with a Schmitt trigger and the effect is a stable pulse width modulator in which the duty cycle of the power switch transistor is varied. A temperature sensor adds resistance to change the sensitivity of the switch and reduce charging current when a predetermined battery temperature is reached. A speed up circuit consisting of a shorting transistor is connected across the base-emitter of the switch transistor.

Abstract: A highly efficient switching regulator for a field effect transistor employed in a regulated power supply as the switching element for an unregulated power source. The emitters of a pair of complementary control transistors are coupled to the gate of the field effect transistor, while the bases of each of the control transistors are coupled to a driver circuit. The driver circuit includes a switch operated by a control unit that senses the level of the output voltage of the regulated power supply and constant current circuit. The control transistors are connected for Class C operation, so that only one control transistor is conductive at any time. A charging capacitor charged from the unregulated voltage source is coupled to the gate of the field effect transistor when one of the control transistors is conductive, causing the field effect transmission to be conductive.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for reducing the turn-off transition time of a switching PNP transistor by providing a reverse drive current to the base of the PNP transistor after the drive current has been removed from the base. The reverse drive current is generated by an NPN transistor, the emitter of which is connected to the base of the PNP transistor. A capacitor coupled to the base of the NPN transistor is charged and during the conducting period of the PNP transistor and discharged after the drive current is removed from the base of the PNP transistor to enable the base of the NPN transistor to be driven above the supply voltage connected to the emitter of the PNP transistor.

Abstract: A constant current battery charger includes a bucking regulator comprising a power switch transistor, a diode, an inductor and a voltage sensitive switch with adjustable delay for controlling the power switch transistor. The hysteresis or delay is obtained with a Schmitt trigger and the effect is a stable pulse width modulator in which the duty cycle of the power switch transistor is varied. A temperature sensor adds resistance to change the sensitivity of the switch and reduce charging current when a predetermined battery temperature is reached. A speed up circuit consisting of a shorting transistor is connected across the base-emitter of the switch transistor.

Abstract: Inverter circuits are provided with bridge arms which, for example, including series-connected transistors (T1l , T2l ) with one freewheeling diode (D1, D2) each transistor. A critical operating state occurs when the recovery current is switched off by one of the diodes (D1, D2), so that the other transistor (T1l , T2l ) is cut in. The return current, which passes through this diode, can assume such high values, when rapidly cutting in the transistor, that the "dynamic" blocking capability of the diode is exceeded, and the diode is burnt out. The load current and the control current are thus reversed, so that the transistor is switched on more slowly and temporarily takes over part of the voltage which is normally applied to the diode.

Abstract: An inverter apparatus includes at least one MIS transistor (Q1-Q4) connected in series between an input terminal (A, B) for inputting a direct-current voltage and an output terminal (C, D) connected to a load (5), and a circuit (1-4) generating a drive signal of a single frequency to cause the MIS transistor to effect a switching operation. By providing an inductance element (L1-L4) effecting a parallel resonance with an input capacitance of the transistor between a gate and a source of the MIS transistor, or by providing an inductance element (L) effecting a parallel resonance with an equivalent total capacitance of the circuit between the output terminal (C, D), it is possible to gain a stable output voltage of a desired high frequency and to raise a power conversion efficiency of the whole apparatus.

Abstract: The control for the MOSFET transistors (T1,T2) comprise two low voltage transistors (T4,T3), of which a first transistor (T4) has its base and collector respectively connected to the gate and drain of the direct voltage feed negative side MOSFET transistor (T2) to supply this latter transistor with the initial charge current for its drain, while the base and the emitter of the second low voltage transistor (T3) are connected to the ends of the blocking diode (D4) of the MOSFET transistor (T2) of the same negative side and to the gate of the MOSFET transistor (T1) of the positive side. The MOSFET transistor (T1) of the positive side remains in open condition when the command signal is positive, and shifts to conducting state when the command signal is null.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for switching a current through the emitter-collector path of a bipolar transistor whose base receives a substantially square-wave switching signal from a switching generator via a series-arranged two-terminal network having inductive reactance. This signal switches the transistor alternately to the conducting and the non-conducting state. In such a circuit arrangement, a very short fall time of the current in the emitter-collector path of the transistor is achieved in a simple and economical way in that the value of the inductive reactance decreases when a current flowing through the two-terminal network increases.

Abstract: Described is an antisaturation circuit for an integrated PNP transistor characterized by a comparator circuit comprising two transistors and a current generator whose output current corresponds to a pre-established function, e.g., an exponential function, of the emitter current of said transistor. The changing of state of the comparator circuit, as determined by said pre-established function of said current generator, is determined by the drop of the V.sub.CE voltage of the transistor below a preset minimum value, with a portion of the conduction current of one of the two transistors of the comparator circuit utilized for increasing the forced .beta. of the transistor. This limits the degree of its saturation, as well as the leakage current toward the substrate.

Abstract: In a series-regulation transistor (T.sub.1), which is driven by a drive circuit (10), for generating a constant voltage across a load (R.sub.L) the occurrence of comparatively large substrate currents in the case of saturation of the series-regulation transistor (T.sub.1) is precluded by a limiting circuit comprising a resistor (R.sub.1) arranged in the base line of the series-regulation transistor (T.sub.1) and a second transistor (T.sub.2) whose base-emitter junction is arranged across the resistor (R.sub.1) and the base-collector junction of the series-regulation transistor (T.sub.1). The collector of the second transistor is connected to a control input (12) of the drive circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to technology to minimize power for suppressing ON base current to a transistor. In a base drive circuit of transistor, current is supplied to base of first and second transistors connected in series to DC power source, and the transistors are rendered on or off.

Abstract: A power driver including a switch (17) that connects between a power input terminal (12) and a power output terminal (13). A current sense unit (22) provides an over current sense signal if an over current condition should exist with respect to the switch (17). A reference signal unit (23) utilizes a control signal as introduced at a contol signal input (11) to provide a threshold current level signal. A comparator (21) compares the latter two signals and provides an enabling signal to a second switch (19) to disable the switch (17) upon detecting an over current condition. The comparator (21) is enabled by the control signal.

Abstract: An adaptive transistor drive circuit including a multiple-emitter transistor, at least one emitter of which is connected to the drive circuit. When the drive current causes the transistor to saturate, the emitter connected to the drive circuit conducts a portion of the drive current to limit saturation of the transistor. A current source provides drive current which varies as a function of the current conducted by the collector of the transistor so as to maintain the transistor in saturation as the collector current and operating temperature vary.

Abstract: A driving circuit uses an output transistor and a driving transformer with a secondary coil being connected to the base of the output transistor. In order to get a high speed switching circuit without thermal runaway, the storage period of the output transistor is detected. A signal supplied to a primary coil of the driving transformer, for example, a driving pulse, is controlled in response to the detected value of the storage period. By minimizing the value of the storage period, it becomes possible to minimize a fall time of the output transistor, so that a stability of the driving circuit can be maintained.

Abstract: A saturation condition regulator system for a power transistor which achieves the regulation objectives of a Baker clamp but without dumping excess base drive current into the transistor output circuit. The base drive current of the transistor is sensed and used through an active feedback circuit to produce an error signal which modulates the base drive current through a linearly operating FET. The collector base voltage of the power transistor is independently monitored to develop a second error signal which is also used to regulate base drive current. The current-sensitive circuit operates as a limiter. In addition, a fail-safe timing circuit is disclosed which automatically resets to a turn OFF condition in the event the transistor does not turn ON within a predetermined time after the input signal transition.

Abstract: A power switching circuit for switching power repetitively to a load at a relatively low frequency employs a power switching device which is driven across an isolating transformer interface. The drive signals are high frequency pulse signals which are modulated with the low frequency switching information, the modulations being detected in the secondary circuit of the transformer. Such an arrangement affords isolated driving with fast switching edges and requires only a small transformer. Power for the detection circuit is derived by rectification of the high frequency signals induced in the transformer secondary.

Abstract: A switching circuit for and inductive load with a parallel freewheeling diode comprises a semiconductor switch in series therewith across a power supply and a switch control effective to change the semiconductor switch from a nonconducting to a conducting state by sourcing current to the control electrode to charge the internal capacitance. The switch control means is responsive to the load voltage to produce a lower current rate to the control electrode while the load voltage indicates a condition other than reverse bias for the freewheeling diode in order to reduce RFI by slowing the switching of the semiconductor switch while the freewheeling diode is recovering and a higher current rate as soon as the load voltage indicates reverse bias for the freewheeling diode in order to minimize time spent in the active conduction region of the semiconductor switch and thus minimize resultant heat generation during switching.

Abstract: A switching mode power supply where an input rectified voltage feeds in chopped mode the primary winding of a power transformer under the control of a transistor turned on by voltage pulses periodically generated by an oscillator directly fed by the input voltage and applied to the transistor through a control transformer, said transistor being turned off by a voltage pulse generated by regulating circuits fed by the output voltage of the power supply and applied to the transistor through the same control transformer which is further provided with a winding where anelectromotive force is induced which is proportional to the current flowing through the primary winding of the power transformer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprising first and second transistors connected in series with one another to pass a primary current upon receipt of a control signal at the gate of the second transistor. The first transistor is coupled to receive a base current from a secondary power source. A third transistor is coupled to have a primary current path to shunt the base current away from the first transistor upon conduction of the third transistor. A capacitor is connected between the base of the third transistor and the base of the first transistor so that, at the moment the second transistor ceases conduction in response to the control signal, a voltage gradient is generated between the base of the first transistor and the base of the third transistor, causing the current from the secondary power source to charge the capacitor and thus render the third transistor conductive, thereby shunting the base current from the secondary power source away from the base of the first transistor.

Abstract: A transistor drive circuit includes a driver transistor and a power switching transistor connected in a Darlington configuration which receives turn-on and turn-off signals from a drive transformer. A capacitor is provided for connection between the driver transistor base and the switching transistor emitter during a turn-off period such that the voltage on the capacitor hastens turn-off of the driver transistor and the switching transistor. A diode connected between the emitter and the base of the driver transistor provides for continuing current flow from the capacitor following turn-off of the driver transistor but prior to turn-off of the switching transistor. After the switching transistor has turned off, the capacitor is recharged prior to the presence of a turn-on signal from the drive transformer.

Abstract: An on-on type switching regulator comprises a blocking oscillator, rectifying-smoothing circuit, and a voltage drop circuit. The blocking oscillator includes a transformer having a collector winding, base winding and secondary winding, and a transistor. The rectifying-smoothing circuit comprises a rectifier diode, flywheel diode, choke coil, and smoothing capacitor, and is connected to the secondary winding. The voltage drop circuit is connected in a closed circuit which is formed between the base winding and the base-emitter of said transistor, said voltage drop circuit being arranged to block any forward or backward current when the voltage thereacross is in a micro-voltage range which may occur before excitation energy in the choke coil is discharged.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprising first and second transistors connected in series with one another to provide a path for a primary current upon receipt of a control signal at the gate of the second transistor. The first transistor is coupled to receive a base current from a secondary power source. A third transistor is coupled to have a current path which shunts the base current of the first transistor upon conduction of the third transistor. A zener diode is connected between the base of the third transistor and the common junction of the first and second transistors and is arranged to provide base current to the third transistor thereby causing the third transistor to be conductive upon turn-OFF of the second transistor, and as a consequence quickly turning OFF the first transistor.

Abstract: A base drive circuit in a transistor inverter in which a control circuit controls the direction of current flow through an inverter main circuit transistor. Pulses from the control circuit are coupled through a photocoupler to amplifying transistors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a high-voltage power supply device capable of high precise control with a simplified circuitry and with a reduced energy loss in which a high-voltage transformer is controlled by switching means which is driven by a power source including a negative power supply and operated in response to pulse signals.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for retaining a main transistor in a conductive state while receiving an external turn-on control signal and bringing the main transistor to a complete cut-off state in response to an external turn-off control signal includes a circuit provided on the primary side of a transformer for supplying a turn-on signal or turn-off signal to the main transistor in response to the turn-on or turn-off control signal and a constant current circuit for maintaining the transformer primary current constant so that the currents derived from the turn-on and turn-off signals are kept constant.

Abstract: A monolithically integrated control circuit for the switching of transistors includes a control circuit coupled to a switching signal source. Signals from the signal source cause control circuit to switch at least one transistor connected thereto. The control circuit includes a current generated circuit designed to supply the at least one transistor with a high current. A current limiting circuit, actuated with a predetermined delay with respect to a turn-on cntrol signal used to switch the at least one transistor, limits the current supplied from the current generator circuit to the minimum level required to keep the at least one transistor at a conduction level which has been reached.

Abstract: A base drive circuit for a transistor which includes a transformer with a primary winding and a secondary winding, a base drive source, and first and second diodes, the primary winding being connected to the source and to the collector of the transistor by means of the first diode, the secondary winding having a first terminal which is connected to the emitter of the transistor, a second terminal which is connected to the collector of the transistor by means of the second diode, and a tap which is connected to the base.

Abstract: A DC/DC converter which may be used as a power supply of high capacity. The DC/DC converter comprises first and second converters having their primary terminals connected in series so as to insure high output power and high breakdwon voltage; a first diode for forming a closed circuit together with a transformer of the first converter and a capacitor of the second converter when a switching element of the first converter is turned "off"; and a second diode for forming a closed circuit together with a transformer of the second converter and a capacitor of the first converter when a switching element of the second converter is turned "off".

Abstract: A circuit arrangement in combination with an electronic one-way switch connected between a voltage supply and a load, the arrangement freeing the one-way switch of high power dissipation stresses during turn-on and turn-off. The arrangement includes a shunt circuit connected across the one-way switch, the shunt circuit including an inductive storage element and a first capacitive storage element; a free-wheeling diode connected for providing a current path for current through the load when the one-way switch is turned off; a second capacitive storage element connected to the first capacitive storage element; and an auxiliary voltage source connected for charging the second capacitive storage element and for causing the second capacitive storage element to drive a current through the load via the first capacitive storage element after the switch is turned off and before the path provided by the free-wheeling diode begins carrying the current through the load.

Abstract: A circuit is provided to speed up switching of a capacitively coupled power transistor driven with a signal provided from a pulse width modulator. The speed-up circuit is provided across a buffer amplifier which is in series circuit between the pulse width modulator and the coupling capacitor. The speed-up circuit includes a time delay circuit which is activated when the output of the amplifier goes low. The delay circuit is coupled to actuate a clamp circuit at a predetermined interval after activation. The clamp circuit is connected to the input of the amplifier and, upon actuation, pulls up the voltage at the input of the amplifier so that it is at a level intermediate the extreme values of the pulse width modulator output signal. In a preferred embodiment the timer is a series RC charging circuit and the clamp is a transistor with its base connected to the junction between the capacitor and the resistor.

Abstract: A circuit which drives a control node of a switching device, such as a base node of an output transistor in a switching power supply, is disclosed. A pulsewidth modulator provides an activating peak current pulse to the control node, but the peak current pulse is later removed to reduce power dissipation. Inductively coupled power sources provide steady state drive current and a negative potential which is applied to the control node the instant the switching device inactivates.

Abstract: A low current, high voltage power supply for gas discharge devices, such as neon tubes. The power supply has a free-running oscillator which generates a high frequency voltage signal which drives a light-weight, compact transformer. The oscillator has a power transistor drive, and a second transistor is used to remove the base drive of the power transistor to render it non-conductive. The second transistor also provides a path for rapid evacuation of the charge carriers stored in the base-emitter junction of the power transistor to rapidly render it non-conductive when the second transistor is energized. A safety bypass circuit is provided should a fault occur with the gas discharge device.