Transistor circuits for switching high voltages and currents without causing snapback or breakdown

摘要

A switching circuit is disclosed for switching high voltages and high currents, if necessary, without causing snapback or breakdown. The disclosed high voltage, high current switching circuit comprises a first set of series-connected transistors that includes a plurality of transistors to switch a high voltage without inducing snapback or breakdown; and a second set of series-connected transistors that includes one or more transistors to switch a high current. The first and second sets of series-connected transistors are connected in parallel. The gates of the second set of series-connected transistors are enabled to cause conduction through the second set of series-connected transistors. In addition, a voltage detector is connected to an output of the first and second sets of series-connected transistors. The output of the voltage detector is coupled to the enabling means.