Current-controlled switches for HV SoI processes

The paper presents an approach for the design of high-voltage (HV) current-controlled switches. HV switch structures, properties, application possibilities as well as ways of merging these switches into structure of HV signal processing components, are discussed. New HV switch structures are specialized and modified for specific applications. The switch applications include voltage switching with minimized current-load imposed on circuitry attached to input and output side of the proposed switches, as well as current switching with minimal or no current load to the current-mode signal-path, in HV power and smart-power integrated systems, like DC/DC converters or output power stages. The switch structures and modes of operation are introduced, simulated and discussed.