Abstract: A crowbar module includes first and second electrical terminals, a module housing, and first and second crowbar units. The first crowbar unit is disposed in the module housing and includes a first thyristor electrically connected between the first and second electrical terminals. The second crowbar unit is disposed in the module housing and includes a second thyristor electrically connected between the first and second electrical terminals in electrical parallel with the first crowbar unit.

Abstract: A device includes a current monitor, an electronic switch, an energy harvester, and a load controller. The current monitor monitors current drawn by a load coupled to the device and generate an alert signal in response to the monitored current exceeding a predefined threshold value. The electronic switch decouples a battery from the load in response to the alert signal, the electronic switch being electrically disconnected from a negative terminal of the battery coupled to the device. The energy harvester stores energy from the battery while the load is drawing current from the battery. The load controller receives, from the energy harvester, the stored energy from the energy harvester and generates a voltage to power the current monitor to reset the alert signal while the battery is decoupled from the load.

Abstract: Circuits and devices for bidirectional normally-off switches are described. A circuit for a bidirectional normally-off switch includes a depletion mode transistor and an enhancement mode transistor. The depletion mode transistor includes a first source/drain node, a second source/drain node, a first gate, and a second gate. The enhancement mode transistor includes a third source/drain node and a fourth source/drain node, and a third gate. The third source/drain node is coupled to the first source/drain node.

Abstract: A load control device for controlling power delivered from a power source to an electrical load may comprise a control circuit configured to control the load regulation circuit to control the power delivered to the electrical load. The control circuit may be configured to operate in an AC mode when an input voltage is an AC voltage and in a DC mode when the input voltage is a DC voltage. The control circuit may be configured to disable the power converter in the DC mode. The control circuit may be configured to render a controllable switching circuit conductive in the AC mode, and non-conductive in the DC mode. The rectifier circuit may be configured to rectify the input voltage to generate a rectified voltage when the input voltage is an AC voltage, and to pass through the input voltage when the input voltage is a DC voltage.

Abstract: A bus assembly is provided having a bus bar with first and second conductive layers extending along an insulator sheet interposed between the first and second conductive layers. The first and second conductive layers are partially aligned with respect to each other to form a first overlap region of the insulator sheet. The bus assembly includes a first set of arms having a set of diodes and a second set of arms having a set of switches. The bust bar includes a plurality of bus links coupling the plurality of arms to the bus bar forming a plurality of inverters. Each of bus links include a respective first bracket and a respective second bracket aligned with each other forming a second overlap region of the insulator sheet. The first bracket is electrically coupled to the first conductive layer and the second bracket is electrically coupled to the second conductive layer.

Abstract: A method includes turning off a high-side switch of an inductor-inductor-capacitor (LLC) power converter; detecting a first current pulse at a gate of a low-side switch of the LLC power converter after turning off the high-side switch; and turning on the low-side switch of the LLC power converter after detecting the first current pulse.

Abstract: A gallium-nitride based power transistor is coupled to a voltage source that has transient overvoltage conditions exceeding the allowable withstanding voltage of the power transistor. An overvoltage protection circuit is coupled to the power transistor to temporarily turn on the power transistor during the overvoltage condition to protect the power transistor from overvoltage breakdown.

Abstract: A semiconductor switch control device includes a first FET and a second FET arranged adjacent to each other, in which source terminals are connected in series. A drain terminal of the first FET is connected to a high voltage battery, and a drain terminal of the second FET is connected to a high voltage load. A controller determines a temperature state of a minus-side main relay including the second FET based on a forward voltage of a body diode of the first FET.

Abstract: A method of actuating a selected electrically powered device such as a solenoid operated valve (SOV) among a plurality of electrically powered devices coupled between a first conductor and second conductor includes applying a high voltage differential between the first conductor and the second conductor, the high voltage being at least as high as the breakover voltage of a switching thyristor coupled to the selected electrically powered devices. The method also includes applying a low voltage differential between the first conductor and the second conductor after applying the high voltage, the low voltage being lower than the breakover voltage of any switching thyristor coupled to the plurality of electrically powered devices.

Abstract: A load drive circuit is configured to control driving of an electric load that is a direct current load, and includes a controller, a switching element, and a current detection portion. The controller generates and outputs a control signal for controlling a flowing state of a load current that flows to the electric load. The switching element switches flowing and interrupting of the load current based on the control signal. The current detection portion detects the load current. The controller includes a type determination portion and a control signal output portion. The type determination portion determines a type of the electric load based on the load current detected by the current detection portion. The control signal output portion generates and outputs the control signal based on the type determined by the type determination portion.

Abstract: A battery protective circuit includes a battery controller, a charging control transistor, and a protection circuit. The battery controller controls charging of a battery according to a charging control voltage output through a charging control terminal. The a charging control transistor electrically connects the battery to a charger or to electrically disconnect the battery from the charger. The protection circuit includes a voltage sensing terminal electrically connected to a load, an input terminal electrically connected to the charging control terminal, and an output terminal electrically connected to a gate terminal of the charging control transistor. The protection circuit outputs a signal through the output terminal to turn off the charging control transistor, regardless of the charging control voltage of the input terminal, when a voltage equal to or greater than a threshold voltage is sensed at the voltage sensing terminal.

Abstract: The various implementations described herein include inverter devices and systems. In one aspect, an inverter includes: a case; a capacitor within the case having a first terminal and a second terminal; a first bus bar including a first portion within the case and a second portion extending from the case to contact a first transistor; a second bus bar including a first portion situated in the case and a second portion extending from the case to contact a second transistor; and a phase-out bus bar including a first portion situated in the case, a second portion extending from the case to contact the first transistor, and a third portion extending from the case to contact the second transistor.

Abstract: A passive electronic fuse for protecting a DC application in the event of a fault includes a first leg including a first winding of a mutual inductor and a switch device connected in series, a second leg including a second winding of the mutual inductor. The first leg and the second leg are connected in parallel and a self-inductance of the second winding is lower than a self-inductance of the first winding. The second leg further includes a capacitor connected in series with the second winding of the mutual inductor, and the switch device is a thyristor or a switch device with switching properties of a thyristor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes external terminals supplied with the pair of voltage signals based on a detection result of a resolver through first and second input resistances, respectively, an operation amplifier configured to amplify a potential difference between the pair of the voltage signals supplied to the external terminals, a feedback resistance disposed between an output terminal of the operation amplifier and one of two input terminals thereof, switches disposed between the two input terminals of the operation amplifier and the external terminals, respectively, and a short-circuit failure detection circuit configured to detect whether or not a short-circuit failure has occurred in the resolver based on a voltage level of each of the external terminals in a state where the switches are in an off-state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing diagnostic information by an intelligent power tap is disclosed. The power tap includes a circuit board and a microcontroller disposed on the circuit board. The microcontroller is configured to provide a status report of the intelligent power tap. The power tap further includes a physical layer network interface connected to the microcontroller and the physical network. The intelligent power tap is configured to inject at least one of a network power and a switched power into the network system.

Abstract: A surge voltage protection apparatus includes a surge voltage absorbing component, a ground component, an electrical status sensing circuit and a control unit. The surge voltage absorbing component receives a surge voltage, so that the electrical status sensing circuit senses an electrical status between the surge voltage absorbing component and the ground component to obtain an electrical data. The electrical status sensing circuit sends the electrical data to the control unit. After the control unit receives the electrical data, the control unit determines the electrical data. When the electrical data is greater than an electrical data predetermined value, the control unit informs a power supply apparatus that the electrical data is greater than the electrical data predetermined value, so that the power supply apparatus is turned off to protect the power supply apparatus.

Abstract: A rotating electric machine system includes a rotating electric machine and an electric power conversion circuit. The rotating electric machine includes N coils connected with each other to define a neutral point therebetween. The electric power conversion circuit includes N high-side switches, N low-side switches, a selector switch, a full-wave driver, a half-wave driver and a drive controller. The full-wave driver performs a full-wave drive process with high potential-side terminals of the low-side switches respectively connected with low potential-side terminals of the high-side switches by the selector switch. The half-wave driver performs a half-wave drive process with the high potential-side terminals of the low-side switches connected with the neutral point by the selector switch.

Abstract: A trailing edge phase control dimmer circuit for controlling alternating current (AC) power to a load with short-circuit protection, wherein a switching control circuit includes a zero-crossing detection circuit configured to detect zero crossings of the AC and to detect crossings of a first threshold value and a second threshold value of the rectified dimmer voltage, and wherein the zero-crossing detection circuit is further configured to initiate the switching circuit to commence one of the conduction periods when the rectified dimmer voltage crosses below the first threshold value and to initiate the switching circuit to prematurely terminate one of the conduction periods when the rectified dimmer voltage crosses above the second threshold value to provide short-circuit protection for the trailing edge phase control dimmer circuit.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a battery pack can include a battery configured to supply power to a connected device and to receive re-charge power from a charger circuit. The battery pack can further include a current modulating circuit configured to modulate current of the battery between first and second supply terminals of the battery pack. The battery pack can also include a controller configured to provide voltage protection of the battery pack and charge current control of the battery using the current modulating circuit. The controller can be configured, while the battery is being charged, to compare, at the battery pack, a charge voltage setpoint of the battery pack with a desired charging voltage; modify, at the battery pack, the charge voltage setpoint to achieve the desired charging voltage; and provide the modified charge voltage setpoint from the battery pack to a connected device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes external terminals supplied with the pair of voltage signals based on a detection result of a resolver through first and second input resistances, respectively, an operation amplifier configured to amplify a potential difference between the pair of the voltage signals supplied to the external terminals, a feedback resistance disposed between an output terminal of the operation amplifier and one of two input terminals thereof, switches disposed between the two input terminals of the operation amplifier and the external terminals, respectively, and a short-circuit failure detection circuit configured to detect whether or not a short-circuit failure has occurred in the resolver based on a voltage level of each of the external terminals in a state where the switches are in an off-state.

Abstract: A method and system for a power module is provided. The power module includes a first substrate including a first conductive substrate having a first plurality of power semiconductor switches arranged thereon, and at least one second conductive substrate electrically coupled to the first conductive substrate. A first terminal is electrically coupled to the first conductive substrate. The power module also includes a second substrate including a third conductive substrate having a second plurality of power semiconductor switches arranged thereon, and at least one fourth conductive substrate electrically coupled to the third conductive substrate. The third conductive substrate is electrically coupled to the second conductive substrate. A second terminal is electrically coupled to the fourth conductive substrate.

Abstract: A brushless motor includes: a motor including a stator around which a winding wire is wound and a rotor holding a permanent magnet; a motor control microcomputer; an inverter circuit in which a power element is incorporated and controls an amount of a voltage applied to the winding wire; a temperature detecting element which detects a temperature of the power element; and a current detecting element which detects a power supply current or a current of the winding wire. A first current limit value is defined by current limit value which is set such that a junction temperature of the power element does not exceed a predetermined value, the brushless motor sets a second current limit value which is higher than the first current limit value, and the brushless motor operates, based on the second current limit value only in a predetermined period after start-up of the brushless motor.

Abstract: A power estimation circuit including: a power estimation manager circuit configured to receive power data and temperature data; and a storage circuit that includes a first region storing resistive-capacitive (RC) thermal modeling data, a second region storing the power data and a third region storing the temperature data, wherein the power estimation manager circuit is configured to estimate power consumption of a first node at a second time point, which occurs after a first time point, using the RC thermal modeling data, the power data and the temperature data.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to detecting and recording information associated with electrical overstress (EOS) events, such as electrostatic discharge (ESD) events. For example, in one embodiment, an apparatus includes an electrical overstress protection device, a detection circuit configured to detect an occurrence of the EOS event, and a memory configured to store information indicative of the EOS event.

Abstract: A switching power supply device is a fixed on-time with bottom detection type switching power supply device, including an on-time extending portion, a low-side sensing type overcurrent protection portion using a bottom value threshold value, and a high-side sensing type overcurrent protection portion using a peak value threshold value. The high-side sensing type overcurrent protection portion sets the peak value threshold value to a value larger than the sum of the bottom value threshold value and a ripple component of inductor current during a period from start to end of a fixed on-time, and sets the peak value threshold value to a value equal to or smaller than the sum of the bottom value threshold value and the ripple component of the inductor current during a period after the fixed on-time elapses until at least the upper-side switch is turned off.

Abstract: A connector leakage protection system includes a current foldback module with a first end coupled to an output port of a DC power supply; an anti-interference module with a first end coupled to a second end of the current foldback module, and a second end coupled to a power port of a connector; and a leakage protection module between the output port and the first end of the current foldback module, or the second end of the current foldback module and the first end of the anti-interference module, or the second end of the anti-interference module and the power port. When the output port outputs a DC voltage, the leakage protection module is switched on. When the output port does not output the DC voltage, the leakage protection module is switched off, preventing current leakage from flowing to the output port. A connector leakage protection circuit is also provided.

Abstract: Structures, devices, systems, and techniques are provided to represent an operational state of an electronic device. In one aspect, a device that can represent the operational state of the electronic device can comprise a substrate configured to produce an amount of heat in response to a predetermined operational state of the electronic device, and a member thermally coupled to the substrate and having a physical property that is configurable in response to at least the amount of heat produced by the substrate. Configuration of the physical property can yield a specific physical state of the member that represents the predetermined operational state.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods may provide for detecting a request to access a power management register and conducting, via a power management security interface, a runtime credential exchange with a source of the request. Additionally, the request may be denied if the runtime credential exchange is unsuccessful. In one example, a plug event is detected, via a dedicated side channel, with respect to a debug port. A noise analysis may be conducted of one or more power rails in response to the plug event, wherein policy based counter noise may be generated on at least one of the one or more power rails at runtime if the noise analysis identifies a potential security attack.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes an insulated gate bipolar transistor (“IGBT”), a clamp element coupled to a control gate of the IGBT to allow current flow in a first direction when voltage is applied to the control gate of the IGBT, and a blocking element coupled to the control gate of the IGBT and to the clamp element. The blocking element allows current flow in a second direction when voltage is removed from the control gate of the IGBT, the second direction is opposite the first direction. A resistive element has a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal is coupled between an anode of the clamping element and an anode of the blocking element and the second terminal is coupled to an output of test circuitry.

Abstract: A power controller includes an input power terminal, an output power terminal, a power switching circuit connected between the input power terminal and the output power terminal, a detection circuit connected to the power switching circuit, one or more data interfaces, and a control device connected to the detection circuit and the one or more data interfaces. The detection circuit measures a load current and a current squared time (I2t) value between the input power terminal and the output power terminal. The control device automatically turns the power switching circuit “OFF” whenever the load current exceeds a first value or the current squared time value exceeds a second value or an “OFF” signal is received from the one or more data interfaces, and automatically turns the power switching circuit “ON” whenever an “ON” signal is received from the one or more data interfaces.

Abstract: A switching power supply circuit includes a semiconductor switching element that is ON/OFF-controlled and controls current through an inductance, an output capacitor that stores power delivered from the inductance through a boost diode, a bypass diode that bypasses the inductance and delivers a DC voltage given to the inductance to the output capacitor, and a switching control section that ON/OFF-controls the semiconductor switching element. The switching power supply circuit includes in particular, an operation frequency reducing means that detects variation of the voltage generated on short-circuit of the bypass diode and lowers a switching frequency of the semiconductor switching element.

Abstract: A watchdog apparatus for monitoring ground current is disclosed. A system and method also perform the functions of the apparatus. The watchdog apparatus includes a watchdog signal module that generates a watchdog signal. The watchdog signal is generated at a specific interval and includes an identifiable characteristic. The watchdog signal module is part of a device being monitored for functionality. The apparatus, in some embodiments, includes a signal monitoring module that determines if the watchdog signal includes the identifiable characteristic, and an alert module that sends and alert signal in response to the signal monitoring module determining that the watchdog signal does not include the identifiable characteristic.

Abstract: A system and method to level a vehicle. The method utilizes a reference current draw unique for each individual actuator that is measured and saved at measured temperature and actuator actuating duration times. The reference current draws are adjusted by a fixed predetermined compensation increment and by a variable predetermined time and temperature increment. During operating function steps, actual extend and retract current draws are measured, which may be at another temperature and duration time. The adjusted reference current draws are compared to the actual extend and retract current draws to determine when desired conditions such as ground contact or fully retracted condition are achieved.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a transistor, a diode, a sense transistor, a sense diode, a resistor, and a clamp circuit. The diode is connected in inverse parallel to the transistor. The resistor is connected at one end of the resister to an emitter of the sense transistor and an anode of the sense diode, and is connected at the other end of the resister to an emitter of the transistor and an anode of the diode. The clamp circuit is configured to clamp a voltage that is generated in the resistor when a sense diode current flows. A ratio of a sense diode current to a current flowing to the diode is larger than a ratio of a sense current to a current flowing to the transistor.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and apparatus for self-diagnosis a load side of an electric device to detect the occurrence of the abnormal electricity usage at the load using a simple apparatus based on a current sensor includes checking rated power consumption of a load, measuring power consumption of the load in operation, calculating a change in the power consumption by comparing the rated power consumption of the load with the power consumption of the load in operation, and determining that an abnormal power consumption occurs at the load when the change in the power consumption is outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A converter receives input of an AC voltage, converts the AC voltage into a DC voltage, and applies the DC voltage between a first power line on a positive electrode side and a second power line on a negative electrode side. A snubber circuit has a capacitor provided between the first and the second power lines, and a diode connected in series with the capacitor between the first and the second power lines, and including an anode on a side close to the first power line on the positive electrode side in a series path with the capacitor. An inverter converts the DC voltage into an AC voltage, and applies the AC voltage to an inductive load. An inverter-side current detection unit detects a current that flows through the first power line on the positive electrode side or the second power line on the negative electrode side between the inverter and the snubber circuit.

Abstract: A series-parallel switch circuit is constituted by connecting, in parallel, multiple series switch circuits in which a first switch receiving electric current and a second switch outputting the electric current are connected in series. Middle points of the multiple series switch circuits are joined. When the series-parallel switch circuit is turned on, the second switches constituting the series-parallel switch circuit are turned on, and thereafter, the first switches constituting the series-parallel switch circuit are turned on.

Abstract: The power supply apparatus includes a first power supply unit for outputting a first voltage; a second power supply unit for outputting a second voltage different from the first voltage; a switch unit operating with the first voltage, which is disposed in a power supply path connecting to the second power supply unit, for supplying and shutting down power to the second power supply unit; a detection unit for detecting that a predetermined voltage or higher is supplied to the first power supply unit; and a control unit for controlling the switch unit to stop the output of the first voltage from the first power supply unit, when the detection unit detects that the predetermined voltage or higher is supplied to the first power supply unit.

Abstract: A power control apparatus and an image forming apparatus is provided to prevent a heating element from overheating when DC power is supplied and to perform normal operation regardless of the type of input power. The power control apparatus includes a power supply to supply power to a load, an alternating current (AC) power switch to discontinuously switch on AC power between the power supply and the load, and a direct current (DC) cutoff circuit to block supply of DC power through the AC power switch to prevent supply of the DC power to the load via the AC power switch when the DC power is input through the power supply.

Abstract: An AC-to-DC power supply apparatus and a power control structure and method thereof are provided. The provided method includes: making an AC-to-DC converter in the AC-to-DC power supply apparatus convert an AC input voltage in response to a driving signal, so as to generate a DC output voltage; sampling a rectified voltage relating to the AC input voltage, so as to provide a sampling signal; providing an output feedback signal relating to an output of the AC-to-DC converter; multiplying the sampling signal by the output feedback signal, so as to provide a product signal; performing a signal modulation on the product signal, so as to generate the driving signal to control a switching of a main power switch in the AC-to-DC converter; and performing an amplitude-limiting process on the sampling signal or the product signal.

Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. In an example, an ESD protection circuit can include an ESD control circuit, and a driver-off circuit, wherein the ESD control circuit is configured to send an enable signal to the driver-off circuit and to perform electrostatic discharge to a ground node when detecting occurrence of electrostatic charges, and wherein the driver-off circuit is configured to disable a driving device upon reception of the enable signal.

Abstract: Reverse battery protection circuits for devices powered by batteries coupled in parallel can include both P-channel and N-channel MOSFETs. Each positive battery terminal connector of a battery-powered device can be coupled to a gate of an N-channel MOSFET or to both a gate of an N-channel MOSFET and a gate of a P-channel MOSFET. In some embodiments, each negative battery terminal connector of the device can be connected to a gate of a P-channel MOSFET. In the event of a reverse battery connection, one or more of the protection circuit's P-channel and N-channel MOSFETS can switch to a non-conductive state to isolate the device's load from an incorrectly installed battery and prevent the incorrectly installed battery and/or other parallel-coupled battery from prematurely discharging. Methods of protecting a load from a reverse battery connection are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A converter includes switching devices connected between each of a plurality of input ends and a DC power supply line, and switching devices connected between each of the plurality of input ends and a DC power supply line. A capacitor, a resistor and a diode are connected in series with each other between the DC power supply lines.

Abstract: A method of three dimensional heterogeneous integration including forming HBT devices on a first substrate, each HBT device having a collector, removing the first substrate, forming first bonding pads on each collector of the heterojunction bipolar transistor devices, forming high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) devices on a first side of a growth substrate, wherein the growth substrate comprises a thermally conductive substrate, such as SiC or diamond, forming second bonding pads on the first side of the growth substrate, aligning and bonding the first bonding pads to the second bonding pads, forming CMOS devices on a Si substrate, bonding the CMOS devices on the Si substrate to a second side of the growth substrate, and forming selectively interconnects between the HBT devices, the HEMT devices, and the CMOS devices by forming vias and first and second level metal interconnects.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for supplying a high-power functional component with high-voltage pulses, having two input terminals for applying an input voltage, two output terminals for connection to a high-voltage terminal contacts of the high-power functional component, a plurality of charge storage modules, which each contain a capacitive element, and which are connected in series via at least one first switching device to the input terminals and via at least one second switching device to the output terminals, and a control device for activating the individual charge storage modules and the first and second switching devices.

Abstract: A method for operating a brushless electric motor, the windings being energized by an inverter with the aid of six switches. A detection unit for detecting defective switches, a unit for measuring voltage at the outputs of the inverter, and a microcontroller for controlling the switch and for generating a pulse width modulated voltage supply for the windings are provided. A short-circuited switch causes a torque in the electric motor opposite the actuating direction of the electric motor. The method proposes that after detecting a short-circuited switch, the windings (U. V. W) are energized to generate a motor torque that is, on the whole, positive. An actuating period of the electric motor is divided into a plurality of sectors, wherein, in accordance with the defective switch, individual sectors are deactivated for the actuation of the windings (U, V, W), while other sectors are used to actuate the windings (V, W).

Abstract: When a power switch is turned off, a protection device for an electricity supply circuit starts keeping time using a timer and turns on a disconnection flag. Then the protection device turns off the disconnection flag when the timer has counted a predetermined time. When the power switch is turned off, the disconnection flag does not subsequently turn off until the predetermined time has passed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive temperature increase in the power switch and prevent damage to the power switch.

Abstract: A hybrid DC breaker, comprises a main current circuit, a transfer current circuit, an over-voltage limiting circuit and a control system, wherein the main current circuit, the transfer current circuit and the over-voltage limiting circuit are connected in parallel. The transfer current circuit consists of circuits 1-4, wherein the circuit 1 and the circuit 4 are connected in series at first and then connected with the main current circuit in parallel; a pre-charged capacitor is connected with the circuit 4 in parallel after being connected with the circuit 3 in series; and, one end of the circuit 2 is connected with the left end of the main current circuit while the other end thereof is connected with a connection point of the pre-charged capacitor and the circuit 3.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an IGBT, a constant voltage circuit, and protection Zener diodes. The IGBT makes/breaks a low-voltage current flowing in a primary coil. The constant voltage circuit and the protection Zener diodes are provided between an external gate terminal and an external collector terminal. The constant voltage circuit supplies a constant gate voltage to the IGBT to thereby set a saturation current value of the IGBT to a predetermined limiting current value. The IGBT has the saturation current value in a limiting current value range of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A direct current circuit breaker has a first to fifth node. A first breaker is arranged between the first node and the fourth node, and a second breaker is arranged between the fourth node and the third node. A parallel circuit of a commutator device is arranged parallel to an energy absorber between the fourth node and the fifth node, and a switch is arranged in series to the parallel circuit. A series circuit containing a semiconductor switch and a resistor is arranged between the second node and the third node.