Patent ID: 6188555
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: H01L,H02H

Abstract:
A device for limiting an alternating electric current, comprising:a passive semiconductor configuration connected into a current path of an alternating current;said passive semiconductor configuration including a first semiconductor region, a second semiconductor region, a first electrode, and a second electrode;said first and second electrodes being connected to said first semiconductor region;said first semiconductor region having a surface, a Schottky contact with a p-n junction depletion zone, and a channel region provided in the current path between said first electrode and said second electrode, said channel region being pinched off by said p-n junction depletion zone when a saturation current is reached;a contact region disposed at said surface for ohmically contacting said first electrode to said first semiconductor region;said second semiconductor region being provided within said first semiconductor region underneath said contact region and extending in directions parallel to said surface beyond said contact region;said p-n junction depletion zone being provided between said first semiconductor region and said second semiconductor region;said Schottky contact being formed by said first electrode and a portion of said first semiconductor region disposed outside said contact region; anda protection circuit connected to said passive semiconductor configuration and having diodes, said protection circuit preventing said passive semiconductor configuration from being driven to a reverse breakdown voltage by the alternating current.