Abstract: A semiconductor component including at least one planar PN junction formed between a first semiconductor region and a second semiconductor region, zone guard rings surrounding the first region and surrounded by the second region in order to improve the reverse-current behavior of the PN junction, and a third semiconductor region having the same conductivity type as the second region, but having a higher doping concentration than the latter provided in the second region preceding the respective edges of the guard rings on the side of the PN junction. Typically the third region is doped such that with the PN junction polarized in the blocking direction, at least one point in the third region remains at zero field strength. Additionally provided is a fourth semiconductor region between the guard rings and between the guard ring closest the PN junction and the PN junction, which has the same conductivity type as the second region, but a lesser doping concentration.

Abstract: A semiconductor power element comprising two successive opposed polarity planar pn junctions, said element being positively tapered on its lateral surface in the regions of both pn junctions to form an average angle of both tapers of between 30.degree. and 60.degree..

Abstract: A semiconductor power element comprising two successive opposed polarity planar pn junctions, said element being positively tapered on its lateral surface in the regions of both pn junctions to form an average angle of both tapers of between 30.degree. and 60.degree..