Abstract: A non-volatile memory element comprises a bottom electrode 12; a top electrode 15; and a recording layer 13 containing phase change material and a block layer 14 that can block phase change of the recording layer 13, provided between the bottom electrode 12 and the top electrode 15. The block layer 14 is constituted of material having an electrical resistance that is higher than that of material constituting the recording layer 13. The block layer 14 suppresses the radiation of heat towards the top electrode 15 and greatly limits the phase change region when a write current is applied. The result is a high heating efficiency. The top electrode 15 itself can be used to constitute a bit line, or a separate bit line can be provided.

Abstract: There are provided an electronic component production method and an electronic component by which the number of scribing processes can be reduced and the productivity can be made higher while surely preventing short circuiting during the production. An electronic component including a short ring residue portion and a method of producing the electronic component are provided.

Abstract: Reinforced semiconductor structures are provided. An exemplary embodiment of a reinforced semiconductor structure comprises a semiconductor wafer comprising a plurality of dielectric layers formed thereon. At least one scribe line region is defined over the semiconductor wafer, separating the semiconductor wafer with at least two active regions thereover. A plurality of first non-dielectric pillars are formed in the topmost layer of the dielectric layers in the scribe line region and surround the test pad along a periphery. A plurality of second non-dielectric pillars and first vias are formed in a first low-k dielectric layer underlying the topmost low-k layer in the scribe line region, wherein the second non-dielectric pillars electrically connect the first non-dielectric pillars by the first vias, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a wafer that incorporates fill structures with varying configurations to provide uniform reflectance. Uniform reflectance is achieved by distributing across the wafer fill structures having different semiconductor materials such that approximately the same ratio and density between the different semiconductor materials is achieved within each region and, optimally, each sub-region. Alternatively, it is achieved by distributing across the wafer fill structures, including one or more hybrid fill structure containing varying proportions of different semiconductor materials, such that approximately the same ratio between the different semiconductor materials is achieved within each region and, optimally, each sub-region.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for integrated circuit packages, such as ball grid array packages, and processes for assembling the same, are provided. A first strip includes an array of package substrate sections. An IC die is mounted to each package substrate section of the first strip. A second strip includes an array of leadframe sections. The second strip is positioned adjacent to the first strip to couple a planar protruding area of each leadframe section to a corresponding IC die mounted to the first strip. An encapsulating material is applied to the adjacently positioned first and second strips to fill a space between the first and second strips and to fill a cavity in a top surface of each leadframe section. A planar region of the first strip surrounding each centrally located cavity is not covered by the encapsulating material. The adjacently positioned first and second strips are singulated into a plurality of IC packages.

Abstract: A lead frame (100) for a semiconductor device is formed by applying nickel plating (102), palladium plating (103), and gold flash plating (104) substantially entirely to lead frame body (101) such as copper thin plate in this order, and further applying silver plating (105) selectively to part of an inner part that is to be enclosed with a package of the semiconductor device. The lead frame (100) may also include a base of the package. The silver plating contributes to an excellent light reflectance and wire bonding efficiency of the inner part, whereas the gold flash plating contributes to an excellent resistance to corrosion and soldering efficiency of an outer part that is outside the package.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system are provided. The apparatus and the system may comprise a first integrated circuit die comprising a plurality of silicon vias and a first surface activated bonding site coupled to the plurality of silicon vias, and a second integrated circuit die comprising a second surface activated bonding site coupled to the first surface activated bonding site. The first surface activated bonding site may comprise a first clean metal and the second surface activated bonding site may comprise a second clean metal. If the first surface activated bonding site is coupled to the second surface activated bonding site respective metal atoms of the first activated surface activated bonding site are diffused into the second surface activated bonding site and respective metal atoms of the second activated surface activated bonding site are diffused into the first surface activated bonding site.

Abstract: A multipackage module has multiple die of various types and having various functions and, in some embodiments, the module includes a digital processor, an analog device, and memory. A first die, having a comparatively large footprint, is mounted onto first die attach region on a surface of a first package substrate. A second die, having a significantly smaller footprint, is mounted upon the surface of the first die, on a second die attach region toward one edge of the first die. The first die is electrically connected by wire bonds to conductive traces in the die-attach side of the substrate. The second die is electrically connected by wire bonds to the first package substrate, and may additionally be electrically connected by wire bonds to the first die.

Abstract: A portable object connectable package for an electronic device comprises: semiconductor die package, having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, and a connector body mechanically supported by the semiconductor die package. The bottom surface includes a plurality of connection elements for connecting to a printed circuit board. The connector body includes a plurality of resilient electrical connecting elements extending over the top surface for contacting with a portable object PO having a contacting area. The portable object connectable package is arranged to be coupled to a portable object positioner for removably positioning the contacting area of the portable object in contact with the plurality of resilient electrical connecting elements when the portable object is present in the portable object positioner.

Abstract: A land grid array module is provided that includes a land grid array interface. The interface includes a substrate having a mating face. A contact pad is provided on the mating face of the substrate. The contact pad has an exposed surface with a depression that is configured to restrain transverse movement of a mating contact tip when the mating contact tip is loaded against the contact pad. The substrate layer may include a via having a diameter such that the depression is formed in the contact pad when the contact pad is plated over the via. The depression may also be stamped in the exposed surface of the contact pad. Alternatively, the depression may be surrounded by a raised conductive perimeter that is configured to retain the mating contact tip.

Abstract: A first semiconductor element is mounted on a base plate, and is in a sealed state by the periphery thereof being covered by an insulation member, and the upper surface thereof being covered by an upper insulation film. An upper wiring layer formed on the upper insulation film, and the lower wiring layer formed below the base plate via lower insulation films are connected by conductors. A second semiconductor element is mounted exposed, being connected to the lower wiring layer.

Abstract: A device including a housing for a semiconductor chip is disclosed. One embodiment provides a plurality of leads. A first lead forms an external contact element at a first housing side and extends at the first housing side into the housing in the direction of an opposite second housing side. The length of the first lead within the housing is greater than half the distance between the first and the second housing side.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to fabricate a package substrate. The package substrate includes top substrate layers, an array capacitor, and bottom substrate layers. The top substrate layers embed micro-vias. The micro-vias have a micro-via area and provide electrical connections between the top substrate layers. The array capacitor structure is placed in contact with the micro-via area. The array capacitor structure is electrically connected to the micro-vias. The bottom substrate layers are formed on the array capacitor structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a plurality of chips is reduced in size. In HSOP (semiconductor device) for driving a three-phase motor, a first semiconductor chip including a pMISFET and a second semiconductor chip including an nMISFET are mounted over each of a first tab, second tab, and third tab. The drains of the pMISFET and nMISFET over each tab are electrically connected with each other. Thus, two of six MISFETs can be placed over each of three tabs divided in correspondence with the number of phases of the motor, and they can be packaged in one in a compact manner. As a result, the size of the HSOP for driving a three-phase motor, having a plurality of chips can be reduced.

Abstract: A method of forming an electronic component package includes: forming electrically conductive traces for connecting first selected bond pads of a plurality of bond pads on a first surface of an electronic component to corresponding bonding locations formed on a second surface of the electronic component; coupling the first surface of the electronic component to a first surface of a lower dielectric strip; coupling the second surface of the electronic component to a first surface of an upper dielectric strip; forming lower via apertures through the lower dielectric strip to expose second selected bond pads of the plurality of bond pads on the first surface of the electronic component; forming upper via apertures through the upper dielectric strip to expose the bonding locations on the second surface of the electronic component; filling the lower and upper via apertures with an electrically conductive material to form lower and upper vias electrically coupled to the first and second selected bond pads of the pl

Abstract: A wiring board (20A) includes a first wiring portion (10A) having a plurality of wiring layers (1) and external connecting bumps (5), and at least one second wiring portion (15A) having a plurality of contact plugs (14). The second wiring portion is integrated with the first wiring portion such that each terminal (14a) of the second wiring portion is in direct contact with one of the wiring layers of the first wiring portion. Hence, there is no risk to produce an internal stress caused by the diffused component of the solder bump in the junction portion between the second and first wiring portions. Accordingly, even when a semiconductor chip (30) of a low-k material is highly integrated on the wiring board, a highly reliable semiconductor device (50) can be obtained.

Abstract: A MEMS package and methods for its embodiment are described. The MEMS package has at least one MEMS device mounted on a flexible and foldable substrate. A metal cap structure surrounds the at least one MEMS device wherein an edge surface of the metal cap structure is attached to the flexible substrate and wherein a portion of the flexible substrate is folded under itself thereby forming the MEMS package. A meshed metal environmental hole underlying the at least one MEMS device provides enhanced EMI immunity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the efficiency of removing heat from semiconductor devices. In addition, the method of manufacturing the improved devices has the potential of eliminating a key step in the traditional production process where the chips are highly susceptible to mechanical damage. A semiconductor element includes a semiconductor substrate having a heat removal side and a heat producing region, and at least one superstrate semiconductor layer defining the heat producing region. The heat removal side of the semiconductor substrate includes at least one recess region which extends closer to the heat-generating region than the remainder of the heat removal surface.

Abstract: A heat slug includes a heat spreading member and a supporting member. The supporting member extends outwardly from the edge of the heat spreading member. The tips of the supporting member are formed with a plurality of contact portions, wherein each said contact portion has a bottom face inclined to the surface of the chip carrier art an angle of more that 5 degrees.

Abstract: A circuit board having heating elements and a hermetically sealed multi-chip package. The multi-chip package includes a plurality of semiconductor chips, a substrate electrically coupled to the plurality of semiconductor chips, heat dissipation means, and a plurality of thermal interfaces disposed between the semiconductor chips and the heat dissipation means. The heat dissipation means forms a hermetically sealed cavity that encloses the semiconductor chips and at least a portion of the substrate. The circuit board includes a chip mounting surface, a chip mounting area on the chip mounting surface, the chip mounting area including a plurality of lands, and heating elements connected to the lands, the heating elements capable heating a joint formed between the lands and electrode pads of a semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A first container member (9, 109, 212) mounting an electronic device (71, 171, 261) thereon and a second container member (2, 102, 202) are bonded with an adhesive (3, 103) or a metal layer (103, 251). Thus an inner space (90, 190, 211) is formed and the electronic device can be closed in the inner space at a low temperature. In the case the adhesive is used, an exposed surface of the adhesive is coated with a metal film (4) to improve the closeness of the inner space. Further, an electronic device (261, 272) may be mounted on the second container member so as to increase the electronic device arrangement density in a packaged electronic device.

Abstract: A semiconductor switching module includes a power semiconductor element that is embodied in planar technology. In at least one embodiment, the power semiconductor element is provided with a base layer, a copper layer, and at least one power semiconductor chip that is mounted on the copper layer, and another electrically conducting layer which covers at least one load terminal of the power semiconductor chip. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, devices are provided for safely connecting the load terminal to a load circuit. The devices are configured such that a contact area thereof presses in a planar manner onto the electrically conducting layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with a structure having superior heat sink characteristics. A first heat sink member is located over a wiring board by using an adhesive material. A semiconductor element is stuck over the first heat sink member by using an adhesive material. The semiconductor element and electrodes located over the wiring board are connected by wires. A second heat sink member which covers the semiconductor element and the wires is joined to the first heat sink member by using a conductive adhesive material. The inside and outside of the second heat sink member are sealed by resin except a flat top thereof. By doing so, the semiconductor device is fabricated. Heat which is generated in the semiconductor element and which is transmitted to the first heat sink member is released from an edge portion of the first heat sink member.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package includes a substrate, first, second and third dies and an antenna. The substrate includes a first layer with electrical traces and a second layer substantially formed of a dielectric material. The first die includes a first integrated circuit. The second die includes a second integrated circuit electrically coupled through wire bonds to the integrated circuit on the substrate and mechanically coupled to the first die such that the first die is disposed between the substrate and the second die. The third die includes a third integrated circuit and is electrically coupled to the integrated circuit on the substrate. The antenna and the first, second and third integrated circuits substantially form a radio transceiver.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided with connection reliability between a bump electrode and a substrate electrode. An elastic modulus of an adhesive material used to electrically connect a metal bump and an interconnect pattern, and sealing the circuit surface of an LSI chip, after thermosetting is Ea; an elastic modulus of an insulating material of a packaging substrate surface layer after thermosetting is Eb; an elastic modulus of a core material, if used, is Ec, and the following rational expression is satisfied at normal temperature or a thermal contact bonding temperature of the adhesive material: at least Ea<Eb<Ec, preferably ?Eb<Ea<Eb<3Ea(<Ec). With this arrangement, a stable connection state can be attained irrespective of the level of the contact bonding load or fluctuations of it upon mass production and, therefore, high yield can be attained at low cost.

Abstract: A reliable semiconductor device including support bumps so as to adequately seal the region between the chips is to be provided. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip; a bump formed on an upper face of the semiconductor chip; and a plurality of support bumps formed along a circumference of the region where the bump is provided, formed on the upper face of the semiconductor chip; and a flow path for a sealing resin is provided between the plurality of support bumps, so as to connect the region where the bump is provided and a periphery region of the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A two-dimensional carrier is generated in the vicinity of an interface that is a hetero interface between a semiconductor layer and a semiconductor layer. Two concave portions are formed so as to extend from a primary surface as far as the interface. An electrode that is made of metal and provides a Schottky junction with the semiconductor layers is formed on a bottom surface and a side surface of the concave portion. An electrode that is made from metal and provides a low resistance contact with the semiconductor layers and is also in low resistance contact therewith is formed on the bottom surface and side surface of the concave portion. As a result, a semiconductor device is provided in which contact resistance between the electrodes and the semiconductor layers is reduced and high frequency characteristics are improved.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus having improved thermal fatigue life is provided by lowering maximum temperature on jointing members and reducing temperature change. A jointing member is placed between a semiconductor chip and a lead electrode, and a thermal stress relaxation body is arranged between the chip and a support electrode. Jointing members are placed between the thermal stress relaxation body and the chip and between the thermal stress relaxation body and the support electrode. A second thermal stress relaxation body made from a material having a thermal expansion coefficient between the coefficients of the chip and the lead electrode is located between the chip and the lead electrode. The first thermal stress relaxation body is made from a material which has a thermal expansion coefficient in between the coefficients of the chip and the support electrode, and has a thermal conductivity of 50 to 300 W/(m·° C.).

Abstract: In a printed circuit board, a semiconductor including plural power supply terminals and a semiconductor chip is mounted onto a mounting surface of a printed wiring board, and a bypass capacitor for reducting a power ground noise is provided. Another bypass capacitor, which is connected to the bypass capacitor only within an IC chip is provided to inhibit the power ground noise from causing not only a variation in timing of the IC chip and a malfunction thereof but also a malfunction of another IC chip and the generation of an EMI noise in a case where the power ground noise propagates to a power supply side.

Abstract: A method for forming a via in an integrated circuit packaging substrate includes embedding an interfacial adhesion layer at a base of a via, and heating the materials at the base of the via. Embedding the interfacial adhesion layer further includes placing a conductive material over the interfacial adhesion layer. An interfacial layer material is deposited within at the base of opening and a conductive material is placed over the interfacial material. The interfacial layer material is a material that will diffuse into the conductive material at the temperature produced by heating the materials at the base of the via opening. Heating the materials at the base of the via opening includes directing energy from a laser at the base of the opening. An integrated circuit packaging substrate includes a first layer of conductive material, and a second layer of conductive material.

Abstract: A System In Package (SIP) semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing a SIP device. A TiSiN film may be used as a diffusion barrier film for metal wiring in a SIP semiconductor device. A TiSiN film may provide relatively good step coverage in a relatively easy formation process, which may maximize reliability of a semiconductor device.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a P-type semiconductor layer formed in a surface region of a semiconductor substrate; a first gate insulating film formed on the P-type semiconductor layer; a first gate electrode; and a first source region and a first drain region formed in the P-type semiconductor layer to interpose a region under the first gate electrode in a direction of gate length. The first gate electrode includes: a first silicide film formed on the first gate insulating film and containing nickel silicide having a first composition ratio of nickel to silicon as a main component; a conductive film formed on the first silicide film; and a second silicide film formed on the conductive film and containing nickel silicide having a second composition ratio of nickel to silicon as a main component. The second composition ratio is larger than the first composition ratio.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: first and second interlayer dielectric films consecutively deposited to overlie a silicon substrate; contact plugs penetrating the first interlayer dielectric film and having a top surface located within the second interlayer dielectric film; and via-plugs having a first portion, the diameter of which reduces from the top of the second interlevel dielectric film toward the bottom thereof and a second portion extending between the first portion and the first plug, the second portion having a diameter increasing from the first portion to the first plug.

Abstract: A power feed device for an electrical component which improves the quality of transmission and reduces the mounting density of a printed circuit board in the power feed device or reduces the thickness of the printed circuit board and thereby realizes smaller size, provided with a power supply for supplying power, a printed circuit board having built-in signal line patterns, and a power bar having conductive projections provided in shapes and at positions corresponding to the shapes and positions of electrodes of the electrical component and provided outside of the printed circuit board, power from the power supply being supplied through the conductive projections of the power bar to electrodes of the electrical component.

Abstract: In the conventional technology, a region of larger data rate causes a varied level of the light exposure in the lithographic operation in the process for manufacturing the semiconductor device, causing a problem of allowing narrower process window. A semiconductor device includes interconnects (first interconnects) elongating along a first direction in a substrate surface of the substrate (transverse direction in the diagram), interconnects (second interconnects), elongating along the interconnects, and being spaced apart from the interconnects in plan view, and slit vias (slit-shaped via plugs), elongating along a second direction (longitudinal direction in the diagram) of directions in the substrate surface of the above-described substrate, which is a direction normal to the first direction, and being capable of electrically coupling the interconnect to the interconnect.

Abstract: A compliant structure for an electronic device comprises a substrate (110) composed of a first material (111) and a compliant zone (120) within the substrate. A plurality of solder joints (280) are located between, and form a connection between, the substrate and the electronic device (290). The compliant zone reduces the degree of deformation experienced by the solder joints due to thermal mismatch loading between the substrate and the die during attachment of the die to the substrate (chip attach). This reduction in solder joint deformation reduces the likelihood that the solder joints will crack.

Abstract: The circuit structure includes at least two generally parallel conductor structures, and a plurality of substantially horizontal layers of layer dielectric material interspersed with substantially horizontally extending relatively low dielectric constant (low-k) volumes. The substantially horizontal layers and the substantially horizontally extending volumes are generally interposed between the at least two generally parallel conductor structures. Also included are a plurality of substantially vertically extending relatively low-k volumes sealed within the substantially horizontal layers and the substantially horizontally extending volumes between the at least two generally parallel conductor structures.

Abstract: An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is customized using two non-adjacent via layers. An array of logic cells, each including a plurality of logic devices, are arranged in a plurality of non-customized base layers. A first routing grid, which includes a first non-customized metal routing layer, a customized via layer, and a second non-customized metal routing layer, is disposed on top of the plurality of non-customized layers. A second routing grid, which includes a third non-customized metal routing layer, another customized via layer, and a fourth non-customized metal routing layer, is disposed above the first routing grid. A non-customized via layer is disposed above the first routing grid and beneath the second routing grid. The routing grids and the non-customized via layer collectively facilitate routing connections to and from the logic cells.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a hybrid device having a first die including a semiconductor device and a second die coupled to the first die, where the second die includes a magnetic structure. The first die may be a semiconductor substrate, while the second die may be a magnetic substrate, and the first die may be stacked on the second die, in one embodiment. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A POP (Package-On-Package) semiconductor device with encapsulating protection of soldered joints between the external leads, primarily comprises a plurality of stacked semiconductor packages and dielectric coating. Each semiconductor package includes at least a chip, a plurality of external leads of leadframe, and an encapsulant where the external leads are exposed and extended from a plurality of sides of the encapsulant. Terminals of a plurality external leads of a top semiconductor package are soldered to the soldered regions of the corresponding external leads of a bottom semiconductor package. The dielectric coating is disposed along the sides of the encapsulant of the bottom semiconductor package to connect the soldered points between the external leads and to partially or completely encapsulate the soldering materials so that the stresses between the soldered joints can be dispersed and no electrical shorts happen.

Abstract: A semiconductor package providing with a printed circuit board and a semiconductor device, including a semiconductor substrate having a surface provided with an external connection electrode and mounted on the printed circuit board, and, a surface opposite that with said external connection electrode, abrased with a mirror finish and reinforced with a back-surface reinforcement.

Abstract: A substrate with reduced substrate warpage and a semiconductor package utilizing the substrate are revealed. The substrate primarily comprises a core where a wiring layer and a first solder mask are formed on one surface of the core, and a second solder mask and a die-attaching layer are formed on the other surface of the core. The first solder mask has a thickness difference with respect to the second solder mask in a manner to reduce the warpage of the substrate caused by thermal stresses due to temperature differences can be well under control. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the substrate can be lower without adding extra stiffeners to achieve substrate warpage control during semiconductor packaging processes.

Abstract: Provided is a wafer level chip scale package that reduces the parasitic capacitance generated between ball pads and the solder balls, and enhances the joint reliability between the ball pads and the solder balls. The wafer level chip scale package provides a conductive pattern in each ball pad section, on which a solder ball is mounted, so as to have a spiral or mesh shape, provides a space defined by the conductive pattern such that a first dielectric layer under the conductive pattern is exposed, and provides the solder ball on a top surface of each ball pad section such that part of the solder ball is inserted into the space defined by the conductive pattern. When viewed from the top, the dielectric layer is exposed from each ball pad section by an area of about 50% or less.

Abstract: In a pad forming region electrically connecting an element forming region to the outside, in which a low dielectric constant insulating film is formed in association with in the element forming region, a Cu film serving as a via formed in the low dielectric constant insulating film in the pad forming region is disposed in higher density than that of a Cu film serving as a via in the element forming region. Hereby, when an internal stress occurs, the stress is prevented from disproportionately concentrating on the via, and deterioration of a function of a wiring caused thereby can be avoided.

Abstract: An audio amplifier assembly that includes a semiconductor package having a semiconductor power die tuned for class D amplifier applications and a conductive clip used for low inductance integration into the amplifier circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for housing a micromechanical structure, and a method for producing the housing. The apparatus has a substrate having a main side on which the micromechanical structure is formed, a photo-resist material structure surrounding the micromechanical structure to form a cavity together with the substrate between the substrate and the photo-resist material structure, wherein the cavity separates the micromechanical structure and the photo-resist material structure and has an opening, and a closure for closing the opening to close the cavity.

Abstract: Better semiconductor encapsulation is achieved with a liquid epoxy resin composition comprising (A) a liquid epoxy resin, (B) a curing agent containing at least 5 wt % of an aromatic amine compound, (C) a microencapsulated catalyst containing a phenolic hydroxy-bearing benzoic acid derivative, and optionally, (D) an inorganic filler.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer includes multi chip areas each including two or more device chip areas and arranged in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction, a plurality of scribe lines formed parallel to the X axis and the Y axis such as to separate the device chip areas from each other, and one or more alignment marks formed in each of the multi chip areas on the scribe lines between adjacent ones of the device chip areas included in one multi chip area, the one or more alignment marks being fewer than the device chip areas in each of the multi chip areas and used for positioning of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: An electrical energy generator that converts kinetic energy harvested from voluntary motor activity of a human or animal to electrical energy. The electrical energy generator includes a housing, a coil of electrically conductive material, a reciprocally movable electromagnetically active mass, springs connecting the mass to either the housing or to adjustment means engaged with said housing, and, optionally, means for constraining non-linear motion of the electromagnetically active mass, and/or means of mitigating motion retardation of the electromagnetically active mass within any existing housing atmosphere. The electrical energy generator may be associated with a carried item, such as a backpack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power converter that can be used to interface a generator (4) that provides variable voltage at variable frequency to a supply network operating at nominally fixed voltage and nominally fixed frequency and including features that allow the power converter to remain connected to the supply network and retain control during supply network fault and transient conditions. The power converter includes a generator bridge (10) electrically connected to the stator of the generator (4) and a network bridge (14). A dc link (12) is connected between the generator bridge (10) and the network bridge (14). A filter (16) having network terminals is connected between the network bridge (14) and the supply network. A first controller (18) is provided for controlling the operation of the semiconductor power switching devices of the generator bridge (14).