A method for operating an electromagnetic actuator includes an actuation event utilizing a current waveform for the actuator characterized by an initial peak pull-in current in a first direction of current flow when the actuator is commanded to an actuated position; and a reversed peak current in a second opposite direction of current flow applied after the actuator is commanded to a rest position. The reversed peak current has a magnitude that is greater than the magnitude of the initial peak pull-in current.

A method for operating an electromagnetic actuator includes an actuation event utilizing a current waveform for the actuator characterized by an initial peak pull-in current in a first direction of current flow when the actuator is commanded to an actuated position; and a reversed peak current in a second opposite direction of current flow applied after the actuator is commanded to a rest position. The reversed peak current has a magnitude that is greater than the magnitude of the initial peak pull-in current.

A system for driving an inductive load of an appliance is provided. The system includes a direct current (DC) bus of the appliance. The DC bus is coupled to the inductive load of the appliance. The system includes a transistor having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The first terminal is coupled to the inductive load of the appliance. The second terminal is coupled to ground. The system includes a controller coupled to the third terminal of the transistor. The controller is configured to control operation of the transistor to drive the inductive load of the appliance.

A switch controls current to be supplied to an inductive load when turned on. A clamp circuit clamps a flyback voltage resulting from turning off the switch. The clamp circuit has a first clamping voltage responsive to the switch being turned off, and has a second clamping voltage, higher than the first clamping voltage, responsive to a current level through the inductive load being lower than a predetermined current level. That ensures that as the current comes down to levels required to break contact, the clamp voltage is increased to speed the collapse of the magnetic field when needed to minimize contact wear by maintaining armature momentum.

A switch controls current to be supplied to an inductive load when turned on. A clamp circuit clamps a flyback voltage resulting from turning off the switch. The clamp circuit has a first clamping voltage responsive to the switch being turned off, and has a second clamping voltage, higher than the first clamping voltage, responsive to a current level through the inductive load being lower than a predetermined current level. That ensures that as the current comes down to levels required to break contact, the clamp voltage is increased to speed the collapse of the magnetic field when needed to minimize contact wear by maintaining armature momentum.

Examples of a semiconductor device includes a first switching element including a first gate, a first source connected to a common terminal via a first connection line, and a first drain, a second switching element including a second gate, a second source that is connected to the first source via a second connection line and connected to the common terminal via the first connection line and the second connection line, a first capacitor for connecting the first source and a high voltage side of a power supply, a first circuit element having first end connected between the high voltage side of the power supply and the first capacitor, and a second capacitor for connecting the second source and second end of the first circuit element.

Examples of a semiconductor device includes a first switching element including a first gate, a first source connected to a common terminal via a first connection line, and a first drain, a second switching element including a second gate, a second source that is connected to the first source via a second connection line and connected to the common terminal via the first connection line and the second connection line, a first capacitor for connecting the first source and a high voltage side of a power supply, a first circuit element having first end connected between the high voltage side of the power supply and the first capacitor, and a second capacitor for connecting the second source and second end of the first circuit element.

Examples of a semiconductor device includes a first switching element including a first gate, a first source connected to a common terminal via a first connection line, and a first drain, a second switching element including a second gate, a second source that is connected to the first source via a second connection line and connected to the common terminal via the first connection line and the second connection line, a first capacitor for connecting the first source and a high voltage side of a power supply, a first circuit element having first end connected between the high voltage side of the power supply and the first capacitor, and a second capacitor for connecting the second source and second end of the first circuit element.

Examples of a semiconductor device includes a first switching element including a first gate, a first source connected to a common terminal via a first connection line, and a first drain, a second switching element including a second gate, a second source that is connected to the first source via a second connection line and connected to the common terminal via the first connection line and the second connection line, a first capacitor for connecting the first source and a high voltage side of a power supply, a first circuit element having first end connected between the high voltage side of the power supply and the first capacitor, and a second capacitor for connecting the second source and second end of the first circuit element.

A switching circuit includes: a drive power supply; a first transistor and a second transistor; a drive signal source; and a drive circuit. Each of the first transistor and the second transistor includes: a drain electrode and a source electrode in which a main current flows when a corresponding one of the first transistor and the second transistor is ON; a first source terminal for passing the main current; and a second source terminal. Here, the first source terminal is connected to the source electrode at an impedance lower than an impedance of the second source terminal.