| CPC H01F 7/064 (2013.01) [H01F 7/081 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
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1. A solenoid driver operable to drive a solenoid actuating a high-voltage power switch, the solenoid driver comprising:
a first plurality of semiconductor switches including a first semiconductor switch and a second semiconductor switch in series;
a second plurality of semiconductor switches including a third semiconductor switch and a fourth semiconductor switch in series;
a first diode in series with the first plurality of semiconductor switches, the first diode delivering current to the first plurality of semiconductor switches from a power bus, and providing isolation between the power bus and the first plurality of semiconductor switches;
a second diode in series with the second plurality of semiconductor switches, the second diode delivering current to the second plurality of semiconductor switches from the power bus, and providing isolation between the power bus and the second plurality of semiconductor switches; and
a common connection between the first plurality of semiconductor switches and the second plurality of semiconductor switches;
wherein
a solenoid coil of the solenoid is connected between the first plurality of semiconductor switches and the second plurality of semiconductor switches at a junction between the first and second semiconductor switches and a junction between the third and fourth semiconductor switches;
when the second and third semiconductor switches are on, activating current flows through the solenoid coil to activate the solenoid;
when the first and fourth semiconductor switches are on, deactivating current flows through the solenoid coil to deactivate the solenoid.
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