 H-bridge

An H-bridge is a four-switch arrangement that can apply either polarity of a DC supply across a two-terminal electrical load. Two switches form each side, with the load joining their midpoint nodes. Power inverters and bidirectional electric motor drives use this switching geometry. The primary TI lesson illustrates its components, forward/reverse states and inductive-current paths.^[ref]

In an idealized switching model, let $q_A,q_B\in \{0,1\}$ select the lower or upper rail at midpoint A and B, with supply magnitude $V_d$. ThenOpposite choices give $+V_d$ or $-V_d$ across the load. Equal choices give zero terminal difference even though both midpoints can be at the upper rail. This zero-output state does not mean every switch is open.

Each leg's upper and lower devices must not simultaneously provide a low-resistance path between supply rails: that is H-bridge shoot-through. Bridge switching dead time introduces a nonoverlap interval during a transition. Inductive load electric current still needs a path during that interval, often involving diodes or controlled conducting devices. The actual current path depends on the bridge state and current direction.

An original inductor example shows why reversing the commanded terminal polarity need not instantly reverse electric current. Neglect winding electrical resistance and opposing motor electromotive force, and take $L=10\mathrm{mH}$ with initial current $i=2\mathrm{A}$. Applying $v_{AB}=-12\mathrm{V}$ givesCurrent reaches zero only after about $1.667\mathrm{ms}$ if this voltage is maintained. Initially $v_{AB}i=-24\mathrm{W}$: the inductive load is returning stored energy through the bridge rather than absorbing it. Its initial magnetic energy is $L{i}^2/2=0.020\mathrm{J}$.

During rapid ideal bipolar switching, applying $+V_d$ for fraction $d$ and $-V_d$ for the rest gives interval-average output $(2d-1)V_d$. With $V_d=12\mathrm{V}$ and $d=0.75$, the average is $6\mathrm{V}$. This average does not specify instantaneous current or heating without a load model.

A proposed low-voltage observation records both midpoint potentials, differential load electric potential difference and load electric current. Comparing them through reversal distinguishes a changed switch command from changed current direction. Driver delays, device drops, recirculation and the supply's ability to accept returned energy determine how closely a real bridge follows the ideal states.