Patent ID: 9203400
Filing Date: 2015-12-01
Classification: H01L,H02M,H03K

Abstract:
1. A method for switching a power semiconductor device which includes both an n-type emitter/collector region, and also a p-type base contact region, on each of both first and second opposing surfaces of a p-type semiconductor die, and which has an ON state and an OFF state, comprising the steps of: at turn-on, when an external voltage difference is applied between the emitter/collector regions, shorting the more positive one of the emitter/collector regions together with the base contact region on the same one of the surfaces, to thereby conduct current with a diode voltage drop characteristic of a p-n junction between the emitter/collector region and the semiconductor die; and thereafter in the ON state, flowing base current through at least one of the base contact regions, to initiate conduction as a bipolar transistor with less than the diode voltage drop; wherein the base contact region on the first surface is not electrically connected to the base contact region on the second surface, except through the semiconductor die itself; whereby bidirectional switching is achieved with an on-state voltage drop which is less than the diode voltage drop.