A hybrid switch for automotive applications

Many new electrical and electronic features that will be introduced into future vehicles generate electrical power requirements that exceed the capabilities of today's 12 V electrical systems. One way to deal with this problem is the application of a 42 V system ("Power Net"). The higher voltage requires devices for obtaining higher arc-voltages for breaking the current, and also causes increased arc-erosion of the contacts. In this paper an enhanced hybrid switch is presented consisting of a simple mechanical switch, which carries the continuous current, and a semiconductor switch, which takes over the making and breaking of the current.