Power dumping driver for magnetic actuator

A solenoid driver operable to drive a solenoid actuating a high-voltage power switch, the solenoid driver comprising:

• a first plurality of semiconductor switches including a first semiconductor switch and a second semiconductor switch in series;
• a second plurality of semiconductor switches including a third semiconductor switch and a fourth semiconductor switch in series;
• a common connection between the first plurality of semiconductor switches and the second plurality of semiconductor switches;
• a first diode in series with the first plurality of semiconductor switches, the first diode connecting to a first power supply for deactivation of a solenoid coil of the solenoid and configured to deliver current to the first plurality of semiconductor switches from the first power supply;
• and
• a second diode in series with the second plurality of semiconductor switches, the second diode connecting to a second power supply for activation of the solenoid coil and configured to deliver current to the second plurality of semiconductor switches from the second power supply;
• wherein
• the solenoid coil is connected between the first plurality of semiconductor switches and the second plurality of semiconductor switches at a junction between the first and second semiconductor switches and a junction between the third and fourth semiconductor switches;
• when the second and third semiconductor switches are on, activating current flows through the solenoid coil to activate the solenoid;
• when the first and fourth semiconductor switches are on, deactivating current flows through the solenoid coil to deactivate the solenoid.