Patent ID: 7982240

Claim:
A bidirectional switching device comprising: (a) a main semiconductor region comprising at least one semiconductor layer for providing a channel, the main semiconductor region having a major surface; (b) a first main electrode formed in ohmic contact with the major surface of the main semiconductor region; (c) a second main electrode formed in ohmic contact with the major surface of the main semiconductor region, the second main electrode provided in a spaced-apart position with respect to the first main electrode; (d) gate means formed between the first and the second main electrodes on the major surface of the main semiconductor region for controlling current flow between the first and the second main electrodes; (e) a first diode-forming electrode formed on the major surface of the main semiconductor region, the first diode-forming electrode disposed opposite the gate means across the first main electrode; (f) a second diode-forming electrode formed on the major surface of the main semiconductor region, the second diode-forming electrode disposed opposite the gate means across the second main electrode; and (g) means for electrically interconnecting the first and the second diode-forming electrodes.