Method and apparatus for driving a semiconductor element with variable resistance circuitry

A driving apparatus of a power semiconductor element for conducting or interrupting a main current, comprising a power semiconductor element having a first and a second terminal for input and output of a main current, and having a control gate terminal;

• and driving circuit means for applying or removing a control voltage supplied from a control power supply to and from said control gate terminal responsive to an input signal;
• said driving apparatus further comprising:
• first resistance variable means including first resistance means for changing a resistance value according to said control voltage, and switching means for conducting or interrupting a current to and from the first resistance means according to said input signal;
• and
• second resistance variable means including second resistance means for limiting a conductable current according to a voltage between the first and second terminals,
• wherein one of the voltage of said control power supply and said voltage between the first and second terminals is voltage divided by the first resistance means and the second resistance means, and the divided voltage is applied to said control gate terminal at the time of conducting or interrupting said main current.