Patent ID: 6914271
Filing Date: 2005-07-05
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A bidirectional switch for switching an A.C. voltage at a load, comprising: a monolithic component, formed in an N-type substrate, comprising: a first vertical thyristor comprising, from top to bottom, a first P-type region, the N-type substrate, a second P-type region, and a first N-type region contained in the second P-type region; a second vertical thyristor comprising, from bottom to top, the second P-type region, the N-type substrate, the first P-type region, and a second N-type region contained in the first P-type region; a P-type triggering region formed on the high substrate side opposite to the cathode of the first thyristor and an N-type triggering region formed in the P-type triggering region; the cathode of the first thyristor and the anode of the second thyristor being intended to be connected to a terminal of the load, the anode of the first thyristor and the cathode of the second thyristor being intended to be connected to a reference voltage, and the P-type triggering region being intended to receive at least one control signal in a negative halfwave of the A.C. voltage to trigger the first thyristor; a resistive element connected to the P-type triggering region and to the anode of the first thyristor; and a capacitor having a terminal connected to the N-type triggering region and its other terminal intended to be connected to the reference voltage.