Current-protected driver circuit for ignition exciter unit

A driver circuit for use with an ignition exciter unit, the driver circuit having an input terminal and an output terminal, the driver circuit comprising:

• a first current-protected circuit coupled to the input terminal and the output terminal, the first current-protected circuit being current-limited;
• a second current-protected circuit coupled to the input terminal and the output terminal, wherein the first current-protected circuit and the second current-protected circuit are electrically parallel between the input terminal and the output terminal;
• and
• a controller coupled to the first current-protected circuit and the second current-protected circuit, the controller being configured to:
• activate the first current-protected circuit for a first time interval;
• and
• activate the second current-protected circuit after the first time interval and prior to when the ignition exciter unit begins operating.

A driver circuit for use with an ignition exciter unit, the driver circuit being coupled to an energy source and an input of the ignition exciter unit, the driver circuit comprising:

• a first current-protected switch coupled to the energy source and an input of the ignition exciter unit;
• a second current-protected switch coupled to the energy source and the input of the ignition exciter unit, the second current-protected switch being electrically parallel to the first current-protected switch between the energy source and the input of the ignition exciter unit;
• means for limiting current through the first current-protected switch;
• means for activating the first current-protected switch for a first time interval;
• and
• means for activating the second current-protected switch after the first time interval and prior to when the ignition exciter unit begins operating.