Patent ID: 6445019
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A semiconductor device comprising a semiconductor body having first and second opposed major surfaces, first and second main regions meeting the second major surface and a voltage-sustaining zone provided between the first and second regions, the voltage-sustaining zone comprising a semiconductor region of one conductivity type forming a rectifying junction with a region of the device such that, when the rectifying junction is reverse-biased in one mode of operation, a depletion region extends in the semiconductor region of the voltage-sustaining zone, the device further comprising a plurality of conductive regions isolated from and extending substantially entirely through the semiconductor region in a direction transverse to the first and second major surfaces so as to be spaced apart in a direction between first and second main regions and a voltage regulator for setting the voltage at each of said conductive regions so as to control the voltage distribution, and thus the electrical field profile, in the voltage-sustaining zone when the rectifying junction is reverse-biased in aid one mode of operation.