
1-1
1.1 Introduction
Power semiconductor switches are primarily used to control the ow of electrical energy between the
energy source and the load, and to do so with great precision, with extremely fast control times, and
with low dissipated power. e application of IC technologies on state-of-the-art power semiconductor
devices has resulted in advanced components with low power dissipation, simple drive characteristics,
good control dynamics, and switching power extending into the megawatt range.
Power semiconductor devices and control ICs are the key elements of power electronic systems—despite
the fact that their costs are minimal in man ...