Patent ID: 7714348
Filing Date: 2010-05-11
Classification: H01L,H05B,Y02B

Abstract:
1. An illumination device including a plurality of LED devices on a semiconductor chip, said semiconductor chip having: (i) a buffer layer above a substrate; (ii) a doped n-type layer above said buffer layer; (iii) an active layer above the doped n-type layer; and (iv) a p-type layer above said active layer; said buffer layer, doped n-type layer, active layer, and p-type layer being etched away from areas between said LED devices to define said plurality; a first group of LEDs in a first current path; a second group of LEDs in a second current path; and a protection element monolithically integrated into said chip, said protection element comprised of an unetched portion of material in an area between said LEDs, said unetched portion being formed from one of or a combination of the buffer, doped n-type, or p-type layers; said protection element in electrical connection with said first and second groups of LEDs, said element protecting against at least one of voltage and current overages.