Patent ID: 8334575
Filing Date: 2012-12-18
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
1. A semiconductor device comprising: a switching element, the switching element comprising a first channel terminal, a second channel terminal and a switching terminal the first channel terminal being operably coupled to an external contact of the semiconductor device; wherein the first channel terminal is arranged to provide a reference terminal and the switching element is arranged such that an impedance of the switching element between the first channel terminal and second channel terminal is dependant upon a voltage across the switching terminal and the reference terminal, whereby when a voltage drop across the switching terminal and the reference terminal exceeds a switching voltage threshold for the switching element current is able to flow between the first and second channel terminals; wherein the semiconductor device further comprises a first resistance element operably coupled between the first channel terminal and the switching terminal and a second resistance element operably coupled between the switching terminal and the second channel terminal of the semiconductor device such that when a negative current is encountered at the first channel terminal, the negative current causes both a voltage drop across the switching terminal and the first channel terminal and a voltage drop across the second channel terminal and the switching terminal.