Circuit for the controlled and independent dissipation of stored inductor energy of multiple inductive loads

摘要

A circuit (1) for controllably and independently dissipating the inductive current of a plurality of inductive loads (Ln) connected between first (Va) and second (Vb) power supply terminals, comprises, for each of the loads, an active element (Tn) for driving the inductive load (Ln), and a regulator means (2n) for controlling the dissipation of the inductive current from the respective load (Ln), which is connected to the control terminal (DRn) of the active element (Tn) and to a node (Dn) for connection between the active element (Tn) and the respective inductive load (Ln).;According to the invention, the regulator means (2n) comprises   a diode (3n) coupled to the node for connection (Dn) and connected to a potential reference (Vref) which is common for the whole circuit (1), and   a circuit means (4n) for generating a turn-on signal for application to the control terminal (DRn) of the active element (Tn), operatively connected to the diode (3n).;The diode (3n) is arranged to act on the circuit means (4n) so as to generate the turn-on signal and start dissipating of the current through the active element, thereby discharging the respective inductive load (Ln) only when the potential on the node (Dn) for connection to the load is significantly higher in absolute value than said potential reference (Vref).