Switch structure and associated circuit

Abstract

An apparatus, such as a switch module (100), is provided. The apparatus can include an electromechanical switch structure (102) configured to move between an open configuration and a fully-closed configuration (associated with a minimum characteristic resistance) over a characteristic time. A commutation circuit (120) can be connected in parallel with the electromechanical switch structure, and can include a balanced diode bridge (122) configured to suppress arc formation between contacts of the electromechanical switch structure and a pulse circuit (142) including a pulse capacitor (146) configured to form a pulse signal (in connection with a switching event of the electromechanical switch structure) for causing flow of a pulse current through the balanced diode bridge. The electromechanical switch structure and the balanced diode bridge can be disposed such that a total inductance associated with the commutation circuit is less than or equal to a product of the characteristic time and the minimum characteristic resistance.

Description

technical field [0001] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to devices for switching electrical current, and more particularly to microelectromechanical switch structures. Background technique [0002] A circuit breaker is an electrical device designed to protect electrical equipment from damage caused by a fault in an electrical circuit. Traditionally, many conventional circuit breakers include bulky (macro) electromechanical switches. Unfortunately, these conventional circuit breakers are large in size and may have to use relatively large forces to actuate the switching mechanism. Additionally, the switches of these circuit breakers typically operate at relatively low speeds. Furthermore, these circuit breakers can be complex to construct and thus expensive to manufacture. Additionally, when the contacts of a switching mechanism in a conventional circuit breaker physically separate, an arc can sometimes form between the contacts, which allows current to continu...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, because solid state switches do not create a physical gap between the contacts when switched into the non-conductive state, they experience leakage currents when nominally non-conductive

Furthermore, solid-state switches operating in the conductive state experience a voltage drop due to internal impedance

Both voltage drop and leakage current contribute to power dissipation and overheating under normal operating conditions, which can be detrimental to switch performance and lifetime

Also, at least in part due to the inherent leakage currents associated with solid state switches, it is impossible to use solid state switches in circuit breaker applications

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