Inductive load drive control for selectively extinguishing energy through switching devices or diodes

A load drive control apparatus for energizing and deenergizing an inductive load comprising:

• switching devices connected to the inductive load;
• diodes connected in parallel with the switching devices, respectively;
• current detection circuit for detecting a current supplied to the inductive load immediately before deenergizing the inductive load;
• controller for turning on and off the switching devices to energize and deenergize the inductive load, the controller being for selectively turning on or off the switching devices to extinguish energy generated in the inductive load at the time of changing from an energization to a deenergization of the inductive load through either the diodes or the switching devices based on a magnitude of the detected current.

A load drive control apparatus for an electrical load comprising:

• switch provided to energize and deenergize the electrical load;
• at least one diode connected in parallel with the switch;
• current detector for detecting a current flowing in the electrical load during an energization of the electrical load;
• and
• controller for turning on the switch to form a closed current circulation path including the electrical load in a period of a deenergization of the electrical load when the detected current is in a predetermined low current range, and for turning of the switch to open the closed current circulation path and bias the at least one diode in a forward direction in a period of the deenergization of the electrical load when the detected current is in a predetermined high current range.