Patent ID: 9742395
Date: 2017-08-22
CPC Classifications: H01L,H02M,H03K

Claim:
1. A method for power switching, comprising: driving a bidirectional bipolar transistor which has two first-conductivity-type emitter/collector regions in distinct locations separated by a bulk second-conductivity-type base region, and two distinct second-conductivity-type base contact regions which connect to the bulk base region in mutually separate locations in proximity to the respective emitter/collector regions, by in a transistor-ON mode, using one of a pair of first drive circuits to supply an adjustable voltage, relative to a collector voltage, to the one of the base contact regions which is closest to whichever of the emitter/collector regions is instantaneously acting as the collector, as defined by externally applied voltage polarity, and adjusting the voltage to thereby minimalize voltage drop across the transistor; and in a diode-ON mode, using one of a pair of second drive circuits to clamp one of the base contact regions to the respectively nearest one of the emitter/collector regions; whereby a diode drop is imposed on current passing through the device; and in a preturnoff mode, using both of the pair of second drive circuits to clamp each of the base contact regions to the respectively nearest one of the emitter/collector regions.