Patent ID: 9742385
Date: 2017-08-22
CPC Classifications: H01L,H03K

Claim:
1. A switching circuit comprising: a two-base bidirectional npn semiconductor device which includes both n-type emitter/collector regions and also p-type base contact regions on each of both opposed surfaces of a p-type monolithic semiconductor die; control circuitry which is connected separately on the opposed surfaces to the first and second base contact regions; and first and second distinct clamp circuits, each comprising a series combination of a low-voltage diode and a resistive element, connected so that the anode of the respective low-voltage diode is operatively connected to the respective p-type base contact region, and the cathode of the respective low-voltage diode is operatively connected to the respective n-type emitter/collector region; wherein the low-voltage diode turns on at a forward voltage which is less than the diode drop of the respective p-n junction between each emitter/collector region and the semiconductor die; whereby the respective p-n junction between each emitter/collector region and the semiconductor die is clamped to avoid forward bias.