Patent ID: 9190894
Filing Date: 2015-11-17
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, comprising: in the ON state, when an external voltage difference is applied between the emitter/collector regions, flowing base current through the base contact region which is nearer the more positive one of the emitter/collector regions, without flowing base current through the other of the base contact regions; 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; and wherein the emitter/collector region on the first surface is not electrically connected to the emitter/collector region on the second surface, except through the semiconductor die itself if not counting the applied external voltage difference; whereby bidirectional switching is achieved with an on-state voltage drop which is less than a diode drop.