Patents by Inventor Armand P. Ferro

Armand P. Ferro has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Self-protected semiconductor device
    Patent number: 4012761
    Abstract: A self-protected thyristor structure is provided having an auxiliary gate region peripherally located with respect to the semiconductor device so as to provide for the controlled turn-on of the device at the edge thereof in response to increasing edge current densities at the onset of avalanche breakdown. An auxiliary pilot thyristor is provided substantially surrounding the main thyristor structure and including an annular gate electrode surrounding the auxiliary pilot thyristor structure to insure that turn-on occurs substantially simultaneously throughout the extent of the pilot thyristor region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1977
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Armand P. Ferro, Victor A. K. Temple