Importance

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Abstract

The invention generally relates to methods and circuits for controlling switching of parallel coupled power semiconductor switching devices (3), for example for use in a power converter. In an example, there is provided a circuit for controlling switching of parallel coupled power semiconductor switching devices (3), the circuit comprising: a plurality of drive modules (2), each said module for controlling a said power semiconductor switching device (3); control circuitry to transmit switch command signals to the modules, each said switch command signal to trigger a said drive module to control a said power semiconductor switching device to switch state; and voltage isolation between the drive modules and the control circuitry, wherein each said drive module for controlling a said device comprises: timing circuitry (22) to compare a switching delay of the device and a reference delay, wherein said switching delay is a time interval between detecting a said switching command signal at the drive module and switching of the device in accordance with the detected switching command signal; and delay circuitry (21) to provide a controllable delay to delay a said triggering by a said switching command signal received at the module subsequent to the detected switching command signal, the delay circuitry configured to control the controllable delay according to a result of said comparison of said switching delay of the device, to thereby reduce a time difference between the reference delay and a said switching delay of the device switching in accordance with the subsequent switching command signal.

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First Claim