A bi-directional switch for an inductive machine is described. The bi-directional switch may include a first power semiconductor transistor with a first source, a first drain, and a first gate. The bi-directional switch may further include a second power semiconductor transistor with a second source, a second drain, and a second gate. The bi-directional switch may include the second source connected to the first source. The bi-directional switch may include a soft-starter device including a control circuit configurable to provide a first control signal to the first power semiconductor transistor and a second control signal to the second power semiconductor transistor.