High-efficiency dual transistor base drive circuit based on the Cuk converter topology

A dual transistor base drive circuit that unifies all important functions (on-state base current power supply for two power transistors, off-state negative U_be =-5 V base-emitter voltage, overcurrent and short-circuit protection scheme based on saturation voltage, and on- and off-state monitoring circuits) is described. The unit provides two base drive outputs using a single switching converter. It can be used to control two individual power transistors in different inverter configurations, e.g. common emitter or bridge configuration. The concept of a dual transistor base drive circuit using the Cuk switching regulator topology enables the low volume construction of a high-efficiency base drive unit for a high-power transistor inverter bridge leg. The circuit is powered from a common DC rail. The base current waveforms are characterized by steep slopes and an overcurrent peak at turn on