Switching circuitry, related integrated circuit, ultrasonic probe, ultrasonic system and method

A method of operating a switching circuit, the switching circuit including:

• a first terminal configured to receive a signal oscillating between a maximum value and a minimum value;
• a second terminal configured to be connected to a load;
• a positive power supply terminal and a negative power supply terminal for receiving a supply voltage, wherein a value of said supply voltage is smaller than an amplitude of said signal;
• a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series between said first terminal and said second terminal, wherein each of said first transistor and said second transistor includes a control terminal connected to a common control node, wherein a capacitance is connected between said common control node and an intermediate point between said first transistor and said second transistor, wherein said first transistor and said second transistor are rendered conductive or non-conductive as a function of a voltage at said capacitance;
• and a control circuit supplied by said supply voltage and including:
• a set circuit configured to charge said capacitance as a function of a set signal, and a reset circuit configured to discharge said capacitance as a function of a reset signal;
• a first diode, wherein an anode of said first diode is connected to said first terminal and a cathode of said first diode is connected to a first node, wherein said first node is connected to a first capacitance;
• a second diode, wherein a cathode of said second diode is connected to said first terminal and an anode of said second diode is connected to a second node, wherein said second node is connected to a second capacitance;
• and an electronic converter circuit supplied by said supply voltage and configured to charge said first capacitance to a first voltage and said second capacitance to a second voltage, the method comprising:
• applying a supply voltage to said positive power supply terminal and said negative power supply terminal, whereby said electronic converter circuit charges said first capacitance to said first voltage and said second capacitance to said second voltage;
• generating said set signal and said reset signal in order to render said first transistor and said second transistor conductive or non-conductive, and
• applying an oscillating high-voltage signal to said first terminal.