Power Switch Circuit for Driving an Airbag Squib Module
First Claim
1. A power switch circuit for driving an airbag squib module, comprising:
- a power transistor having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a control electrode, a path between the first electrode, and a second electrode being connected in series with the airbag squib module between a supply potential and a reference potential;
a pre-charge capacitance for storing a charge;
a charging circuit for charging the pre-charge capacitance, the charging circuit being coupled to the pre-charge capacitance; and
a controllable energy-coupling element connected between a first electrode of the pre-charge capacitance, and the control electrode of the power transistor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A power switch circuit for driving an airbag squib module has a power transistor, a pre-charge capacitance for storing a charge, a charging circuit and a controllable energy-coupling element. The power transistor has a first electrode, a second electrode and a control electrode. A path between the first electrode and the second electrode is connected in series with the airbag squib module between a supply potential and a reference potential. The charging circuit charges the pre-charge capacitance and the charging circuit is therefore coupled with the pre-charged capacitance. The controllable energy coupling element is connected between a first electrode of the pre-charge capacitance and the control electrode of the power transistor. The power switch exhibits a high degree of stability, allows a fast switching of the power transistor and further has an advantageous transient response.
45 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A power switch circuit for driving an airbag squib module, comprising:
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a power transistor having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a control electrode, a path between the first electrode, and a second electrode being connected in series with the airbag squib module between a supply potential and a reference potential;
a pre-charge capacitance for storing a charge;
a charging circuit for charging the pre-charge capacitance, the charging circuit being coupled to the pre-charge capacitance; and
a controllable energy-coupling element connected between a first electrode of the pre-charge capacitance, and the control electrode of the power transistor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A power switch circuit for driving an airbag squib module, comprising:
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a power transistor comprising a load path coupled in series with the airbag squib module between a supply potential and a reference potential;
a pre-charge capacitance for storing a charge;
a charging circuit for charging the pre-charge capacitance, the charging circuit being coupled to the pre-charge capacitance; and
a controllable energy-coupling element coupled between the pre-charge capacitance and a control electrode of the power transistor.
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30. A power switch circuit for driving an airbag squib module, comprising:
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a power transistor means comprising a load path coupled in series with the airbag squib module between a supply potential and a reference potential;
a pre-charge means for storing a charge;
a charging circuit means for charging the pre-charge means, the charging circuit means being coupled to the pre-charge capacitance; and
a controllable energy-coupling means for coupling the pre-charge capacitance with a control electrode of the power transistor means.
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Specification