Patent ID: 6373079
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A thyristor, comprising:a semiconductor body formed with an anode-side base zone of a first conductivity type and at least one cathode-side base zone of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type; anode-side and cathode-side emitter zones; a region in said cathode-side base zone having a geometry defining a reduced breakdown voltage as compared with remaining regions in said cathode-side base zone and an edge of said semiconductor body; a recombination zone formed at said anode below said region of reduced breakdown voltage, said recombination zone having free charge carriers with a reduced lifetime; and said regions in said cathode-side base zone having a defined geometry with the following features: a central region of said cathode-side base zone having a cutout formed therein and including a thin layer of the second conductivity type inside said cutout on a surface of said semiconductor body, said layer being relatively thinner than and connected to said cathode-side base zone; an additional zone of the second conductivity type formed in said cutout adjacent said thin layer; and said additional zone, as viewed from said cathode-side base zone, being at least partly concave.