Electronic system for high power load control

Abstract

An electronic control system for a high power load is provided with a plurality of parallel current paths divided into two groups (11-12), with control devices (Q.sub.1 -Q.sub.n) in the current paths of one group each having a current limiting resistor (13), and control devices (Q.sub.21, Q.sub.22) in the current paths of the other group each having no current limiting resistor, so that when the control devices of the second group are turned fully on, a short circuit is achieved by the arrangement of parallel current paths. Separate but coordinated control signals (1, 2) are provided by suitable means (P.sub.1 -P.sub.3) to first turn on the control devices of the first group and increase their conduction toward saturation as a function of control input, and when fully on, or shortly before, to turn on the control devices of the second group and increase their conduction toward saturation as a function of the control input as that input continues to increase. Electronic means (32-35) may be employed to generate control signals (1, 2). The system may be used for I-V characteristic measurements of solar arrays, as well as for other load control purposes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.