Patent ID: 9209798
Filing Date: 2015-12-08
Classification: H01L,H02M,H03K

Abstract:
1. A method for switching a power semiconductor device which includes both a first-conductivity-type emitter/collector region and also a second-conductivity-type base contact region on each of both first and second surfaces of a second-conductivity-type semiconductor die, comprising the actions of: a) using a control circuit to control the flow of current between the emitter/collector regions on said first and second surfaces; and b) when the control circuit is inactive, automatically enabling both a first voltage-limiting circuit which limits forward bias across a junction between the base contact region and the emitter/collector region on said first surface to less than the forward diode voltage drop characteristic of the junction on said first surface, and also a second voltage-limiting circuit which limits forward bias across a junction between the base contact region and the emitter/collector region on said second surface to less than the forward diode voltage drop characteristic of the junction on said second surface, regardless of the voltage between the first and second emitter/collector regions; whereby breakdown voltage is not degraded by amplification of leakage currents.