Abstract: The present application teaches, among other innovations, power semiconductor devices in which breakdown initiation regions, on BOTH sides of a die, are located inside the emitter/collector regions, but laterally spaced away from insulated trenches which surround the emitter/collector regions. Preferably this is part of a symmetrically-bidirectional power device of the “B-TRAN” type. In one advantageous group of embodiments (but not all), the breakdown initiation regions are defined by dopant introduction through the bottom of trench portions which lie within the emitter/collector region. In one group of embodiments (but not all), these can advantageously be separated trench portions which are not continuous with the trench(es) surrounding the emitter/collector region(s).

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to the sortation of products using a conveyor assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first member coupled to a second member. The first member defines a chamber containing a dry powder and includes a chamber wall that forms an outer boundary of the chamber. The second member includes a surface covering the chamber and defines an intake channel and an exit channel. The exit channel is fluidically coupled to the chamber via an exit opening. The intake channel is fluidically coupled to the chamber via an intake port. A center line of the intake channel is tangential to a portion of the chamber wall such that a portion of an inlet airflow conveyed into the chamber via the intake channel has a rotational motion. The intake port is defined at least in part by an intake ramp. The intake ramp includes a transition surface that forms an exit angle with respect to the surface of less than 105 degrees.

Abstract: The present application teaches, among other innovations, power semiconductor devices in which breakdown initiation regions, on BOTH sides of a die, are located inside the emitter/collector regions, but laterally spaced away from insulated trenches which surround the emitter/collector regions. Preferably this is part of a symmetrically-bidirectional power device of the “B-TRAN” type. In one advantageous group of embodiments (but not all), the breakdown initiation regions are defined by dopant introduction through the bottom of trench portions which lie within the emitter/collector region. In one group of embodiments (but not all), these can advantageously be separated trench portions which are not continuous with the trench(es) surrounding the emitter/collector region(s).

Abstract: The present application teaches, among other innovations, power semiconductor devices in which breakdown initiation regions, on BOTH sides of a die, are located inside the emitter/collector regions, but laterally spaced away from insulated trenches which surround the emitter/collector regions. Preferably this is part of a symmetrically-bidirectional power device of the “B-TRAN” type. In one advantageous group of embodiments (but not all), the breakdown initiation regions are defined by dopant introduction through the bottom of trench portions which lie within the emitter/collector region. In one group of embodiments (but not all), these can advantageously be separated trench portions which are not continuous with the trench(es) surrounding the emitter/collector region(s).

Abstract: Methods and systems for double-sided semiconductor device fabrication. Devices having multiple leads on each surface can be fabricated using a high-temperature-resistant handle wafer and a medium-temperature-resistant handle wafer. Dopants can be introduced on both sides shortly before a single long high-temperature diffusion step diffuses all dopants to approximately equal depths on both sides. All high-temperature processing occurs with no handle wafer or with a high-temperature handle wafer attached. Once a medium-temperature handle wafer is attached, no high-temperature processing steps occur. High temperatures can be considered to be those which can result in damage to the device in the presence of aluminum-based metallizations.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a stable platform in a far-offshore deep-sea environment. The platform can advantageously be a wind power generation station. A structural framework carries (for example) the wind turbine in an elevated position. Multiple points on the floating structure are connected both to a surface float and to a deep mass (e.g. an enclosed volume of seawater).

Abstract: Methods and systems for double-sided semiconductor device fabrication. Devices having multiple leads on each surface can be fabricated using a high-temperature-resistant handle wafer and a medium-temperature-resistant handle wafer. Dopants can be introduced on both sides shortly before a single long high-temperature diffusion step diffuses all dopants to approximately equal depths on both sides. All high-temperature processing occurs with no handle wafer or with a high-temperature handle wafer attached. Once a medium-temperature handle wafer is attached, no high-temperature processing steps occur. High temperatures can be considered to be those which can result in damage to the device in the presence of aluminum-based metallizations.

Abstract: The present application teaches, among other innovations, power semiconductor devices in which breakdown initiation regions, on BOTH sides of a die, are located inside the emitter/collector regions, but laterally spaced away from insulated trenches which surround the emitter/collector regions. Preferably this is part of a symmetrically-bidirectional power device of the “B-TRAN” type. In one advantageous group of embodiments (but not all), the breakdown initiation regions are defined by dopant introduction through the bottom of trench portions which lie within the emitter/collector region. In one group of embodiments (but not all), these can advantageously be separated trench portions which are not continuous with the trench(es) surrounding the emitter/collector region(s).

Abstract: The present application teaches, among other innovations, power semiconductor devices in which breakdown initiation regions, on BOTH sides of a die, are located inside the emitter/collector regions, but laterally spaced away from insulated trenches which surround the emitter/collector regions. Preferably this is part of a symmetrically-bidirectional power device of the “B-TRAN” type. In one advantageous group of embodiments (but not all), the breakdown initiation regions are defined by dopant introduction through the bottom of trench portions which lie within the emitter/collector region. In one group of embodiments (but not all), these can advantageously be separated trench portions which are not continuous with the trench(es) surrounding the emitter/collector region(s).

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a stable platform in a far-offshore deep-sea environment. The platform can advantageously be a wind power generation station. A structural framework carries (for example) the wind turbine in an elevated position. Multiple points on the floating structure are connected both to a surface float and to a deep mass (e.g. an enclosed volume of seawater).

Abstract: Dual-base two-sided bipolar power transistors which use an insulated field plate to separate the emitter/collector diffusions from the nearest base contact diffusion. This provides a surprising improvement in turn-off performance, and in breakdown voltage.

Abstract: Dual-base two-sided bipolar power transistors which use an insulated field plate to separate the emitter/collector diffusions from the nearest base contact diffusion. This provides a surprising improvement in turn-off performance, and in breakdown voltage.

Abstract: Methods and systems for double-sided semiconductor device fabrication. Devices having multiple leads on each surface can be fabricated using a high-temperature-resistant handle wafer and a medium-temperature-resistant handle wafer. Dopants can be introduced on both sides shortly before a single long high-temperature diffusion step diffuses all dopants to approximately equal depths on both sides. All high-temperature processing occurs with no handle wafer or with a high-temperature handle wafer attached. Once a medium-temperature handle wafer is attached, no high-temperature processing steps occur. High temperatures can be considered to be those which can result in damage to the device in the presence of aluminum-based metallizations.

Abstract: Dual-base two-sided bipolar power transistors which use an insulated field plate to separate the emitter/collector diffusions from the nearest base contact diffusion. This provides a surprising improvement in turn-off performance, and in breakdown voltage.

Abstract: Dual-base two-sided bipolar power transistors which use an insulated field plate to separate the emitter/collector diffusions from the nearest base contact diffusion. This provides a surprising improvement in turn-off performance, and in breakdown voltage.

Abstract: The present application discloses new approaches to providing “passive-off” protection for a B-TRAN-like device. Even if the control circuitry is inactive, AC coupling uses transient voltage on the external terminals to prevent forward biasing an emitter junction. Preferably the same switches which implement diode-mode and pre-turnoff operation are used as part of the passive-off circuit operation.

Abstract: Dual-base two-sided bipolar power transistors which use an insulated field plate to separate the emitter/collector diffusions from the nearest base contact diffusion. This provides a surprising improvement in turn-off performance, and in breakdown voltage.

Abstract: Power-packet-switching circuits (and methods and systems) in which at least one port uses series-connected combinations of bidirectional switches to connect a link inductor (or transformer), with selectable polarity, to an outside line. Optionally, series-connected combinations of bidirectional switches are used for phase legs in some ports, while single bidirectional switches are used for the phase legs in other ports. This can be particularly advantageous where the converter interfaces between lines at significantly different operating voltages. By using B-TRANs as the series-combined elements of the combinations of switches, voltage-dividing circuitry is not needed to equalize the voltages seen by the individual devices in each combination.

Abstract: Dual-base two-sided bipolar power transistors which use an insulated field plate to separate the emitter/collector diffusions from the nearest base contact diffusion. This provides a surprising improvement in turn-off performance, and in breakdown voltage.