Patent ID: 6392859
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: H01L,H03K

Abstract:
A bidirectional switching device for use in a semiconductor active fuse, comprising:(a) a p-channel first main semiconductor element having a first main electrode connected to an ungrounded side of an AC power source, a second main electrode connected opposite to the first main electrode, and a first control electrode for controlling a first main current flowing between the first and second main electrodes, wherein the first main semiconductor element contains a first parasitic diode whose cathode region is connected to the first main electrode and whose anode region is connected to the second main electrode, configured such that a second main current running opposite to the first main current flows in the first parasitic diode when the first main semiconductor element is in a cutoff state; and (b) an n-channel second main semiconductor element having a third main electrode connected to the second main electrode, a fourth main electrode connected opposite to the third main electrode and connected to a load, and a second control electrode for controlling the second main current flowing between the third and fourth main electrodes, configured such that the second main current flows in the second main semiconductor element when said first main semiconductor element is in the cutoff state, wherein the second main semiconductor element contains a second parasitic diode whose anode region is connected to the third main electrode and whose cathode region is connected to the fourth main electrode, configured such that the first main current flows in the second parasitic diode when the second main semiconductor element is in a cutoff state.