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A power application circuit utilizes microelectromechanical (MEM) switches to reduce power loss in energy conversion equipment. The MEM switches can be integrated on a single substrate with a diode or semiconductor switch. The MEM switches can be included in a single circuit package with another sem

A power application circuit utilizes microelectromechanical (MEM) switches to reduce power loss in energy conversion equipment. The MEM switches can be integrated on a single substrate with a diode or semiconductor switch. The MEM switches can be included in a single circuit package with another semiconductor device and may include a control circuit which turns each MEM switch on or off. The MEM switch is controlled so that it is opened and closed only when a relatively low voltage drop occurs across the switch. The MEM switch can be utilized in AC to AC converters, DC to AC converters, AC to DC converters, matrix converters, motor controllers, resonant motor controllers, or other power application devices. The MEM switch can also be included in a single package with an IGBT which is optimized for low-switching losses. It can be included in a single package with a diode to reduce conduction loss in power diode bridges.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A power conversion circuit, comprising:an array of microelectromechanical switches having a power input and a power output, each of the switches having an input signal terminal, an output signal terminal, and a control terminal; anda control circuit coupled to the array o

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A power conversion circuit, comprising:an array of microelectromechanical switches having a power input and a power output, each of the switches having an input signal terminal, an output signal terminal, and a control terminal; anda control circuit coupled to the array of switches, the control circuit providing a control signal to the control terminal of each of the switches in the array, the control circuit controlling operation of the switches, each of the switches electrically connecting the input signal terminal to the output signal terminal in response to the control signal provided by the control circuit, wherein the input signal terminal and the output signal terminal of the microelectromechanical switches are connected and disconnected when a low voltage exists across the input signal terminal and the output signal terminal, whereby the array of the switches converts a power signal provided to the power input and provides a converted power signal at the power output.