Optically powered drive circuit for controlling a semiconductor switch

An optically powered drive circuit (40) and a method for controlling a first semiconductor switch (52) are provided. The optically powered drive circuit (40) includes a photovoltaic cell (100) configured to receive a first light signal from a fiber optic cable (14) and to output a first voltage in response to the first light signal. The optically powered drive circuit (40) further includes an energy storage device (102) electrically coupled to the photovoltaic cell (100) configured to store electrical energy received from the first voltage and to output a second voltage. The optically powered drive circuit (40) further includes an electrical circuit electrically coupled to both the photovoltaic cell (100) and the energy storage device (102). The electrical circuit is energized by the second voltage. The electrical circuit is configured to receive the first voltage and to output a third voltage in response to the first voltage for controlling operation of the first semiconductor switch (52).