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Abstract

An optically-controlled high-voltage switch for an implantable defibrillator. A three-terminal high-voltage-tolerant semiconductor switch exhibits high conductivity between its high-voltage terminal and its common terminal in response to a low control voltage applied between its control terminal and its common terminal, where the low control voltage exceeds a characteristic threshold value, and exhibits low conductivity between same where the control voltage is less than the characteristic threshold value. A photovoltaic coupler/isolator having a light emitting device and a photovoltaic device, optically coupled to and electrically isolated from each other, is in circuit communication across the control and common terminals. A low voltage current source drives the light emitting device of the photovoltaic coupler/isolator. A switch-off opto-isolator having a light emitting device and a light sensitive conductive device, optically coupled to and electrically isolated from each other, is in circuit communication across the control and common terminals of the semiconductor switch. A switch-off low voltage current source drives the light emitting device of the switch-off opto-isolator. A switch-on opto-isolator having a light emitting device and a light sensitive conductive device, optically coupled and electrically isolated from each other, is in series circuit communication between the photovoltaic device and the semiconductor switch. A switch-on low voltage current source drives the light emitting device of the switch-on opto-isolator.

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First Claim