Patent ID: 7544970
Filing Date: 2009-06-09
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A semiconductor device comprising: a wide-gap bipolar semiconductor element using a wide-gap semiconductor having stacking faults including basal plane dislocation, and having a built-in voltage in the forward direction; a semiconductor package accommodating said wide-gap bipolar semiconductor element and having electrical connection means for connecting said wide-gap bipolar semiconductor element to external apparatuses; a heater which is provided to the package and heats said wide-gap bipolar semiconductor element inside said semiconductor package to a temperature of 50° C. or more; a temperature sensor which is provided to the package and detects the temperature of said wide-gap bipolar semiconductor element; and a temperature controller which controls the heater on the basis of a detection output of said temperature sensor so as to heat said wide-gap bipolar semiconductor element to a temperature of 50° C. or more and less than 200° C. before energization of said wide-gap bipolar semiconductor element, and then starts the energization of said wide-gap bipolar semiconductor element, raising the temperature of said wide-gap bipolar semiconductor element to 200° C. or more by self-heating of said wide-gap bipolar semiconductor element.