In the field of chain-link modules for voltage source converters, there is a need for an improved chain-link module. A chain-link module, for connection in series with other chain-link modules to form a chain-link converter selectively operable to provide a stepped variable voltage source within a voltage source converter, includes at least one pair of series-connected switching elements that are connected in parallel with a number of series-connected energy storage devices. Each energy storage device has an auxiliary power supply unit connected in parallel therewith to source energy therefrom for supply to an auxiliary chain-link module control circuit. The chain-link module also includes a modulation controller which is interconnected between each auxiliary power supply unit and the auxiliary chain-link module control circuit. The modulation controller is configured to modulate the proportion of energy supplied to the auxiliary chain-link module control circuit by each auxiliary power supply unit.

A switched mode power converter comprising a main inductor and a half bridge for providing an inductor current is described. The power converter comprises a first output power switch for directing the inductor current to a first output port and bypass circuitry for making at least part of the inductor current available for controlling the switching state of at least one of the power switches. Furthermore, the power converter comprises a control unit configured to control the first output power switch such that the inductor current is directed to the first output port within different first time intervals. Furthermore, the bypass circuitry is controlled to make the inductor current available for controlling the switching state of the at least one power switch during a non-overlapping time interval.

A power electronics device has a first power semiconductor switch and a driver circuit and enables a supply of electrical voltage to a driver circuit. An auxiliary circuit arrangement has a supply capacitor, an auxiliary capacitor, a normally off auxiliary semiconductor switch, a diode and a bootstrap diode. The auxiliary semiconductor switch is connected to a reference potential connection of the first power semiconductor switch via a connection point, starting from the connection point, a series connection of the diode, a second connection point and the auxiliary capacitor is arranged in parallel with the auxiliary semiconductor switch. When the auxiliary semiconductor switch is in the off state, the auxiliary capacitor is charged by the flow of current through the first power semiconductor switch.

Provided is a power conversion circuit for achieving a power conversion device capable of suppressing charging/discharging of a parasitic capacitor caused by high-frequency switching, and of reducing a loss of a semiconductor switching element. The power conversion circuit includes: a circuit board including a plurality of layers including two or more layers, on which circuit patterns are formed; and a plurality of semiconductor switching elements connected to the circuit patterns of the circuit board, and configured to perform switching for power conversion. In the circuit board, a plurality of control ground patterns for different nodes, which are configured to drive the plurality of semiconductor switching elements, are arranged so as not to overlap one another in plan view.

Provided is a power conversion circuit for achieving a power conversion device capable of suppressing charging/discharging of a parasitic capacitor caused by high-frequency switching, and of reducing a loss of a semiconductor switching element. The power conversion circuit includes: a circuit board including a plurality of layers including two or more layers, on which circuit patterns are formed; and a plurality of semiconductor switching elements connected to the circuit patterns of the circuit board, and configured to perform switching for power conversion. In the circuit board, a plurality of control ground patterns for different nodes, which are configured to drive the plurality of semiconductor switching elements, are arranged so as not to overlap one another in plan view.

A circuit for decoding a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal generates an output signal switching between a first and second logic values as a function of a duty-cycle of the PWM signal. Current generating circuitry receives the PWM signal and injects a current to and sinks a current from an intermediate node as a function of the values of the PWM signal. A capacitor coupled to the intermediate node is alternatively charged and discharged by the injected and sunk currents, respectively, to generate a voltage. A comparator circuit coupled to the intermediate node compares the generated voltage to a comparison voltage and drives the logic values of the output signal as a function of the comparison.

A circuit for decoding a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal generates an output signal switching between a first and second logic values as a function of a duty-cycle of the PWM signal. Current generating circuitry receives the PWM signal and injects a current to and sinks a current from an intermediate node as a function of the values of the PWM signal. A capacitor coupled to the intermediate node is alternatively charged and discharged by the injected and sunk currents, respectively, to generate a voltage. A comparator circuit coupled to the intermediate node compares the generated voltage to a comparison voltage and drives the logic values of the output signal as a function of the comparison.

A circuit breaker includes a circuit breaker housing, an air-gap switch disposed within the housing, and a first visual indicator configured to provide an indication of an open state and a closed state of the air-gap switch. The first visual indicator includes a first window that is formed as part of the circuit breaker housing, and first and second indicator elements disposed within the circuit breaker housing. The first indicator element is configured to move into position behind the first window as the air-gap switch is placed into the open state and thereby provide a visual indication of the open state of the air-gap switch. The second indicator element is configured to move into position behind the first window as the air-gap switch is placed into the closed state and thereby provide a visual indication of the closed state of the air-gap switch.

Provided is a power conversion circuit for achieving a power conversion device capable of suppressing charging/discharging of a parasitic capacitor caused by high-frequency switching, and of reducing a loss of a semiconductor switching element. The power conversion circuit includes: a circuit board including a plurality of layers including two or more layers, on which circuit patterns are formed; and a plurality of semiconductor switching elements connected to the circuit patterns of the circuit board, and configured to perform switching for power conversion. In the circuit board, a plurality of control ground patterns for different nodes, which are configured to drive the plurality of semiconductor switching elements, are arranged so as not to overlap one another in plan view.

Provided is a power conversion circuit for achieving a power conversion device capable of suppressing charging/discharging of a parasitic capacitor caused by high-frequency switching, and of reducing a loss of a semiconductor switching element. The power conversion circuit includes: a circuit board including a plurality of layers including two or more layers, on which circuit patterns are formed; and a plurality of semiconductor switching elements connected to the circuit patterns of the circuit board, and configured to perform switching for power conversion. In the circuit board, a plurality of control ground patterns for different nodes, which are configured to drive the plurality of semiconductor switching elements, are arranged so as not to overlap one another in plan view.