Abstract: An electronic assembly (20) having an insulated metal heat sink (10) and a method of manufacturing the electronic assembly (20). The electronic assembly (20) has a heat dissipater (11), a dielectric material (12), and a conductive layer (13). A semiconductor chip (21) is attached to the insulated metal heat sink (10). Heat generated by the semiconductor chip (21) is conducted to the conduction surface (14) of the heat dissipater (11). In one embodiment a convection surface (16) of the heat dissipater (11) is present and the heat is transferred from the convection surface (16) of the heat dissipater (11) to a fluid by convection. The fluid is directed by a manifold (64).

Abstract: A first transistor is responsive to a control signal, for turning-on to conduct current to the base of a second transistor, for turning-on the second transistor for conducting a relatively high-magnitude range of current up to a predetermined limited magnitude of current. If the current reduces to below the high-magnitude range, the first transistor turns off, and the second transistor is responsive to the control signal for continuing conduction through its main current path of a relatively low-magnitude range of current with a relatively low value of voltage thereacross.

Abstract: Transistor and thyristor devices having paralleled main current paths are responsive to a control signal, for turning-on the transistor for conducting up to a predetermined limited magnitude of current, and the thyristor for conducting current of a magnitude greater than this limited magnitude. If the current reduces to below the predetermined limited magnitude, the thyristor turns off, and the transistor continues conducting current through its main current path down to a relatively low value of voltage thereacross.

Abstract: A circuit for applying turn-on and turn-off signals to the gate electrode of a gate-turn-off (GTO) controlled rectifier, responsive to whether a control signal is or is not supplied via a single control-signal line. The control signal is amplified to apply one of the turn-off and turn-on signals, and a one-shot supplies the other of the turn-off and turn-on signals responsive to the cessation of the control signal.