Abstract: Power transistors relying on planar MOS cell designs suffer from the “hole drainage effect”; addition of an enhancement layer creates significant loss of breakdown voltage capability. The Fortified Enhanced Planar MOS cell design provides an alternative that uses enhancement layers, field oxides, and gate trenches without suffering from the loss of blocking voltage. A low doped P-type “fortifying layer” reduces the high peak electric fields that develop in blocking mode in critical regions. The fortifying layer can be electrically biased through an additional electrical contact, which can be arranged at die level, not at transistor cell level. Due to the low dopant concentration of the fortifying layer, no additional MOS channels need to be formed, and the electrons will flow thru the non-inverted regions of the fortifying layer. The new design shows advantages in performance, ease of processing, and applicability.

Abstract: A bidirectional electrostatic discharge protection device and a method for fabricating the same is disclosed. The protection device includes a heavily-doped semiconductor substrate, a first semiconductor epitaxial layer, a second semiconductor epitaxial layer, a heavily-doped area, and a lightly-doped area. The substrate, the heavily-doped area, and the lightly-doped area have a first conductivity type and the epitaxial layers have a second conductivity type. The first semiconductor epitaxial layer and the second semiconductor epitaxial layer are sequentially formed on the substrate, and the heavily-doped area and the lightly-doped area are formed in the second semiconductor epitaxial layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes, on an upper surface side of an N?-type drift layer, a P-type well layer, an N-type emitter layer, a gate insulation film, and a gate electrode, and includes, on a lower surface side of the N?-type drift layer, an N-type buffer layer, a P-type collector layer, and an N++-type layer. The N++-type layer is partially formed in the N-type buffer layer. The N++-type layer has impurity concentration being higher than impurity concentration of the N-type buffer layer and being equal to or higher than impurity concentration of the P-type collector layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to an embodiment includes a semiconductor layer that has first and second plane and includes first-conductivity-type first semiconductor region, second-conductivity-type second semiconductor region between the first semiconductor region and the first plane, first-conductivity-type third semiconductor region between the second semiconductor region and the first plane and has a lower first-conductivity-type impurity concentration than the first semiconductor region, and second-conductivity-type fourth semiconductor region between the third semiconductor region and the first plane and has a higher second-conductivity-type impurity concentration than the second semiconductor region; a first electrode on a side of the first plane of the semiconductor layer and is electrically connected to the third semiconductor region and the fourth semiconductor region; and a second electrode on a side of the second plane of the semiconductor layer, is electrically connected to the first semicond

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an enhancement-mode first p-channel MISFET, an enhancement-mode second p-channel MISFET, a drain conductor electrically and commonly connected to the first p-channel MISFET and the second p-channel MISFET, a first source conductor electrically connected to a source of the first p-channel MISFET, a second source conductor electrically connected to a source of the second p-channel MISFET, and a gate conductor electrically and commonly connected to a gate of the first p-channel MISFET and a gate of the second p-channel MISFET.

Abstract: A power semiconductor device includes a semiconductor body coupled to first and second load terminal structures, and first and second cells each configured for controlling a load current and electrically connected to the first load terminal structure and to a drift region. A first mesa in the first cell includes a port region electrically connected to the first load terminal structure, and a first channel region coupled to the drift region. A second mesa included in the second cell includes a port region electrically connected to the first load terminal structure, and a second channel region coupled to the drift region. The mesas are spatially confined in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the load current by an insulation structure, and have a total extension of less than 100 nm in that direction. The first channel region includes an inversion channel. The second channel region includes an accumulation channel.

Abstract: A power semiconductor device includes a semiconductor body coupled to first and second load terminal structures, and first and second cells each configured for controlling a load current and electrically connected to the first load terminal structure and to a drift region. A first mesa in the first cell includes a port region electrically connected to the first load terminal structure, and a first channel region coupled to the drift region. A second mesa included in the second cell includes a port region electrically connected to the first load terminal structure, and a second channel region coupled to the drift region. The mesas are spatially confined in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the load current by an insulation structure, and have a total extension of less than 100 nm in that direction. The first channel region includes an inversion channel. The second channel region includes an accumulation channel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes lower electrodes positioned below a surface of a substrate, the substrate including crystalline Si, a plurality of strap regions positioned above the lower electrodes and below sets of pillars of Si, the pillars rising above the substrate, the sets of pillars being aligned in a first direction along a plane perpendicular to a film thickness direction, and the strap regions extending above a surface of the substrate, silicide junctions positioned between each of the strap regions and a corresponding lower electrode positioned therebelow, upper electrodes positioned above each of the pillars, gate dielectric layers positioned on sides of the pillars to a height greater than a lower edge of the upper electrodes, and gate layers positioned on sides of the gate dielectric layers in a second direction along the plane and perpendicular to the first direction that transverse a plurality of sets of pillars.

Abstract: A power semiconductor device includes a semiconductor body coupled to first and second load terminal structures, and first and second cells each configured for controlling a load current and electrically connected to the first load terminal structure and to a drift region. A first mesa in the first cell includes a port region electrically connected to the first load terminal structure, and a first channel region coupled to the drift region. A second mesa included in the second cell includes a port region electrically connected to the first load terminal structure, and a second channel region coupled to the drift region. The mesas are spatially confined in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the load current by an insulation structure, and have a total extension of less than 100 nm in that direction. The first channel region includes an inversion channel. The second channel region includes an accumulation channel.

Abstract: The present inventive concept relates to a semiconductor device, and more particularly to a semiconductor device that can increase the amount of current by reducing impedance, and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a first base layer; a drain layer disposed on the back side surface of the first base layer; a second base layer formed on the surface of the first base layer; a source layer formed on the surface of the second base layer; a gate insulating film disposed on the surface of both the source layer and the second base layer; a gate electrode disposed on the gate insulating film; a column layer formed in the first base layer of the lower part of both the second base layer and the source layer by opposing the drain layer; a drain electrode disposed in the drain layer; and a source electrode disposed on both the source layer and the second base layer, wherein heavy particle irradiation is performed to the column layer to form a trap level locally.

Abstract: An MOSFET includes a silicon carbide substrate, an active layer, a gate oxide film, and a gate electrode. The active layer includes a body region where an inversion layer is formed at a region in contact with the gate oxide film by application of voltage to the gate electrode. The body region includes a low concentration region arranged at a region where an inversion layer is formed, and containing impurities of low concentration, and a high concentration region adjacent to the low concentration region in the carrier mobile direction in the inversion layer, arranged in a region where the inversion layer is formed, and containing impurities higher in concentration than in the low concentration region.

Abstract: Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (BTRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer BTRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. BTRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. BTRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.

Abstract: Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (BTRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer BTRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. BTRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. BTRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.

Abstract: Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (BTRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer BTRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. BTRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. BTRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device is disclosed. The electrostatic discharge protection device comprises a N+ well, a P doping region, a first N doping region, a plurality of N sub-doping regions, a first N+ doping region, a first P+ doping region, a second N+ doping region, and a second doping region. The P doping region is disposed in the N+ well. The first N doping region is disposed in the P doping region. The plurality of N sub-doping regions is disposed in parallel in the P doping region. The first N+ doping region is disposed in the first N doping region. The first P+ doping region is disposed in the first N doping region. The second N+ doping region is disposed in the P doping region.

Abstract: A triode includes a semiconductor, a deep n-well, a p-well, an n+ doping region, and a p+ doping region. The deep n-well is disposed adjacent to the semiconductor substrate. The p-well is included in the deep n-well and serves as a collector region of the triode. The n+ doping region serves as a base region of the triode. The p+ doping region serves as an emitter region of the triode. The deep n-well is coupled to the n+ doping region.

Abstract: A triode includes a semiconductor, a deep n-well, a p-well, an n+ doping region, and a doping region. The deep n-well is disposed adjacent to the semiconductor substrate. The p-well is included in the deep n-well and serves as a collector region of the triode. The n+ doping region serves as a base region of the triode. The p+ doping region serves as an emitter region of the triode. The deep n-well is coupled to the n+ doping region via at least one conducting channel.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first terminal and a second terminal at which a signal line is attachable. A first diode is connected between the first and second terminals with an anode connected to the first terminal. A second diode and a third diode are connected in series with each other and in parallel with the first diode between the first and second terminals. The second diode has an anode connected to the second terminal, and the third diode has an anode connected to the first terminal. The third diode is a Zener diode having a capacitance that is greater than each of a capacitance of the first diode and a capacitance of the second diode. A fourth diode is optionally included in series with the first diode or in series between the second and third diodes.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a light emitting device that has high output power and long service life where a package is suppressed from discoloring due to heat generation. The light emitting device 1 of the present invention contains a light emitting element 10, a package 40 formed of a thermosetting resin, the package having a recess 43 wherein the light emitting element 10 is mounted, a first lead electrode 20 which is exposed at the bottom of the recess 43 of the package 40 and whereon the light emitting element 10 is mounted, and a second lead electrode 30 which is exposed at the bottom of the recess 43 of the package 40 and is electrically connected to the light emitting element 10. The light emitting element 10 is bonded to the first lead electrode 20 through a eutectic layer 70, and at least a surface of the first electrode 20 is coated with an Ag film 22, a thickness of the Ag film 22 being in the range from 0.5 ?m to 20 ?m.

Abstract: There is provided a small-type semiconductor integrated circuit whose circuit area is small and whose wiring length is short. The semiconductor integrated circuit is constructed in a multi-layer structure and is provided with a first semiconductor layer, a first semiconductor layer transistor formed in the first semiconductor layer, a wiring layer which is deposited on the first semiconductor layer and in which metal wires are formed, a second semiconductor layer deposited on the wiring layer and a second semiconductor layer transistor formed in the second semiconductor layer. It is noted that insulation of a gate insulating film of the first semiconductor layer transistor is almost equal with that of a gate insulating film of the second semiconductor layer transistor and the gate insulating film of the second semiconductor layer transistor is formed by means of radical oxidation or radical nitridation.

Abstract: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is provided for discharging current between input and output nodes. In accordance with various embodiments, an ESD protection device includes an open-base transistor having an emitter connected to the input node and a collector connected to pass current to the output node via a resistor in response to a voltage at the input node exceeding a threshold that causes the transistor to break down. The resistor is coupled across emitter and collector regions of a second open-base transistor that is configured to turn on for passing current in response to the current across the resistor exceeding a threshold that applies a threshold breakdown voltage across the second transistor. In some implementations, an emitter and/or base of the second transistor are connected to, or are respectively the same region as, a base and a collector of the first transistor.

Abstract: This invention provides a solid-state image sensing apparatus in which a sensor portion that performs photo-electric conversion and plural layers of wiring lines including a signal line for the sensor portion are formed on a semiconductor substrate; which includes an effective pixel portion configured such that light enters the sensor portion, and an optical black portion shielded so that the light does not enter the sensor portion; and which has a light-receiving surface on the back surface side of the semiconductor substrate. The optical black portion includes the sensor portion, a first light-shielding film formed closer to the back surface side of the semiconductor substrate than the sensor portion, and a second light-shielding film formed closer to the front surface side of the semiconductor substrate than the sensor portion.

Abstract: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is provided for discharging current between input and output nodes. In accordance with various embodiments, an ESD protection device includes an open-base transistor having an emitter connected to the input node and a collector connected to pass current to the output node via a resistor in response to a voltage at the input node exceeding a threshold that causes the transistor to break down. The resistor is coupled across emitter and collector regions of a second open-base transistor that is configured to turn on for passing current in response to the current across the resistor exceeding a threshold that applies a threshold breakdown voltage across the second transistor. In some implementations, an emitter and/or base of the second transistor are connected to, or are respectively the same region as, a base and a collector of the first transistor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor region of a second conductivity type, a third semiconductor region of the second conductivity type, a fourth semiconductor region of the first conductivity type, a first control electrode, a first main electrode, a fifth semiconductor region of the first conductivity type, a sixth semiconductor region of the second conductivity type, a second main electrode and a semiconductor element. The semiconductor element is connected between the first main electrode and the third semiconductor region. In addition, the semiconductor element includes a channel using part of the first semiconductor region and a second control electrode configured to control the channel on the one major surface of the first semiconductor region.

Abstract: A sinker layer is in contact with a first conductivity-type well and a second conductivity-type drift layer, respectively, and is separated from a first conductivity-type collector layer. A second conductivity-type diffusion layer (second second-conductivity-type high-concentration diffusion layer) is formed in the surface layer of the sinker layer. The second conductivity-type diffusion layer has a higher impurity concentration than that of the sinker layer. The second conductivity-type diffusion layer and the first conductivity-type collector layer are isolated from each other with an element isolation insulating film interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A fourth semiconductor region of a first conduction type is provided in a partial region of a third semiconductor region of a second conduction type. This configuration enhances the blocking voltage at the time when the sheet carrier concentration of a fifth semiconductor region is enhanced.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes at least one cell including a base region of a first conductivity type having disposed therein at least one emitter region of a second conductivity type, a first well region of a second conductivity type, a second well region of a first conductivity type, a drift region of a second conductivity type, a collector region of a first conductivity type, and a collector contact. Each cell is disposed within the first well region, and the first well region is disposed within the second well region. The device further includes a first gate in communication with a base region so that a MOSFET channel can be formed between an emitter region and the first well region, and at least one embedded region embedded in the first well region. The device is configured such that during operation of the device a depletion region at a junction between the base region and the first well region can extend to a junction between the first well region and the second well region.

Abstract: A method of forming and a device including an interconnect structure having a unidirectional electrical conductive material is described. The unidirectional conductive material may overlie interconnect materials, and/or may surround interconnect materials, such as by lining the walls and base of a trench and via. The unidirectional conductive material may be configured to conduct electricity in a direction corresponding to a projection to or from a contact point and conductive material overlying the unidirectional conductive material, but have no substantial electrical conductivity in other directions. Moreover, the unidirectional conductive material may be electrically conductive in a direction normal to a surface over which it is formed or in directions along or across a plane, but have no substantial electrical conductivity in other directions.

Abstract: The objective of this invention is to provide a semiconductor device having a thyristor that can shorten the turn-off time. A first electroconductive type first semiconductor region 20 is formed on a substrate, and a second electroconductive type second semiconductor region 22, a second electroconductive type third semiconductor region 23, designated as an anode, and a first electroconductive type fourth semiconductor region 24, designated as an anode gate, are formed on the surface layer part of the first semiconductor region. Also, a first electroconductive type fifth semiconductor region 26, designated as a cathode, and a second electroconductive type sixth semiconductor region 25, designated as a cathode gate, are formed on the surface layer part of the second semiconductor region.

Abstract: A thyristor device can be used to implement a variety of semiconductor memory circuits, including high-density memory-cell arrays and single cell circuits. In one example embodiment, the thyristor device includes doped regions of opposite polarity, and a first word line that is used to provide read and write access to the memory cell. A second word line is located adjacent to and separated by an insulative material from one of the doped regions of the thyristor device for write operations to the memory cell, for example, by enhancing the switching of the thyristor device from a high conductance state to a low conductance state and/or from the low conductance state to the high conductance. This type of memory circuit can be implemented to significantly reduce standby power consumption and access time.

Abstract: Provided is an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit using a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), which is applied to a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC). A semiconductor substrate has a triple well structure such that a bias is applied to a p-well corresponding to a substrate of a ggNMOS device. Thus, a trigger voltage of the SCR is reduced. In addition, two discharge paths are formed using two SCRs including PNP and NPN bipolar transistors. As a result, the ESD protection circuit can have greater discharge capacity.

Abstract: A high-frequency switching transistor comprises a collector area, which has a first conductivity type, a first barrier area bordering on the collector area, which has a second conductivity type which differs from the first conductivity type, and a semiconductor area bordering on the first barrier area, which has a dopant concentration which is lower than a dopant concentration of the first barrier area. Further, the high-frequency switching transistor has a second barrier area bordering on the semiconductor area, which has a first conductivity type, as well as a base area bordering on the second barrier area, which has a second conductivity type. Additionally, the high-frequency switching transistor comprises a third barrier area bordering on the semiconductor area, which has the second conductivity type and a higher dopant concentration than the semiconductor area. Further, the high-frequency switching transistor has an emitter area bordering on the third barrier area, which has the first conductivity type.

Abstract: A thyristor-based semiconductor device exhibits a relatively increased base-emitter capacitance. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, the junction area between a base region and an adjacent emitter region of a thyristor is increased, relative to the junction area between other regions in the thyristor. In one implementation, the base region is formed extending on two sides of the emitter region. In another implementation, the thyristor is formed on a buried insulator layer of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structure, with the base region having a first portion laterally adjacent to the emitter region and having a second portion between the emitter region and the buried insulator.

Abstract: A reverse-blocking power semiconductor component includes a drift path subdivided into a source-side area and a drain-side area by a region with opposite doping. Provided above this region is a gate. Alternatively, the body zone of the one conduction type is subdivided into a source-side part and a drain-side part by a region of the other conduction type. This region acts as an electron collector. The reverse-blocking power semiconductor component can be incorporated in compensation components, and power transistors. Methods for producing power semiconductor components are also provided.

Abstract: In a static induction transistor, in addition to a first gate layer (4), a plurality of second gate layers (41) having a shallower depth and a narrower gap therebetween than those of the first gate layer (4) are provided in an area surrounded by the first gate layer (4), thereby an SiC static induction transistor with an excellent off characteristic is realized, while ensuring a required processing accuracy during production thereof.

Abstract: A thyristor-based semiconductor device exhibits a relatively increased base-emitter capacitance. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a base region and an adjacent emitter region of a thyristor are doped such that the emitter region has a lightly-doped portion having a light dopant concentration, relative to the base region. In one embodiment, the thyristor is implemented in a memory circuit, wherein the emitter region is coupled to a reference voltage line and a control port is arranged for capacitively coupling to the thyristor for controlling current flow therein. In another implementation, the thyristor is formed on a buried insulator layer of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structure. With these approaches, current flow in the thyristor, e.g., for data storage therein, can be tightly controlled.

Abstract: A thyristor for switching microwave signals includes semiconductor layers disposed on a substrate. A first surface of the thyristor defines an anode, and a second surface of the thyristor defines a cathode. The semiconductor layers include at least one semi-insulating layer. The thyristor transmits a microwave signal between the anode and the cathode in an ON state and blocks the microwave signal between the anode and the cathode in an OFF state.

Abstract: A multi-layered structure is fabricated in which a microprocessor is configured in different layers and interconnected vertically through insulating layers which separate each circuit layer of the structure. Each circuit layer can be fabricated in a separate wafer or thin film material and then transferred onto the layered structure and interconnected.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a p type semiconductor substrate, a first n type region formed at the semiconductor substrate, a first n channel DMOS transistor formed in the first n type region, a second n type region formed at the semiconductor substrate, a vertical type pnp bipolar transistor formed in the second n type region, and a second n channel DMOS transistor formed in the second n type region. The first n channel DMOS transistor has a drain for receiving a high power supply voltage (Vdc) and a source for supplying an output voltage (Vout). The bipolar transistor has a base connected to the gate of the first n channel DMOS transistor, an emitter connected to the source of the first n channel DMOS transistor, and a collector connected to the ground. The second n channel DMOS transistor has a drain connected to the gate of the first n channel DMOS transistor and a source connected to the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for switching microwave signals includes a plurality of input lines, a plurality of output lines; and a plurality of thyristors. Each thyristor has a lower conducting surface that is electrically connected to one of the input lines and an upper conducting surface that is electrically connected to one of the output lines. A selected thyristor transmits a microwave signal between a selected input line and a selected output line in an ON state and blocks the microwave signal between the selected input line and the selected output line in an OFF state.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is composed a semiconductor substrate having a first conducting-type first semiconductor layer, a second conducting-type second semiconductor layer, a first conducting-type third semiconductor layer, a second conducting-type fourth semiconductor layer and a first conducting-type fifth semiconductor layer, a first main electrode for short-circuiting the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, a second main electrode for short-circuiting the fourth semiconductor layer and the fifth semiconductor layer, and a control electrode provided on the third semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer form a joint. The second semiconductor layer and the third semiconductor layer form a joint. The third semiconductor layer and the fourth semiconductor layer form a joint. The fourth semiconductor layer and the fifth semiconductor layer form a joint.

Abstract: A gate turn-off thyristor includes a substrate formed of n-type silicon carbide; a growth buffer formed of n-type silicon carbide and positioned to overlie said substrate; a field buffer region formed of p-type silicon carbide and positioned to overlie said growth buffer; a drift region formed of p-type silicon carbide and positioned to overlie said field buffer region; a gated base region formed of n-type silicon carbide and positioned to overlie said drift region; a modified anode region formed of first, second and third layers of silicon carbide and positioned to overlie said gated base region, said first layer comprising p-type silicon carbide and disposed adjacent said gated base region, said second layer comprising n-type silicon carbide and disposed adjacent said first layer, said third layer comprising p-type silicon carbide and disposed adjacent said second layer; an anode contact disposed on said third layer of said modified anode region; a cathode contact disposed on said substrate; and a gate cont

Abstract: A semiconductor component including a housing for a semiconductor substrate, an anode, a cathode, an annular gate electrode flange, which laterally protrudes from the housing and concentrically surrounds the housing, and an annular auxiliary cathode flange, which protrudes from the housing and makes contact with the cathode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a component forming a normally on dual thyristor, which can be turned off by a voltage pulse on the control electrode, including a thyristor, a first depletion MOS transistor, the gate of which is connected to the source, connected between the anode gate and the cathode of the thyristor, and a second enhancement MOS transistor, the gate of which is connected to a control terminal.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protective circuit of the invention includes a silicon controller rectifier (SCR) and a current diverter. The current diverter is used to bypass an initial low current thereby to prevent the SCR from being triggered by the low current. Thus, a trigger current required to activate the SCR can be greatly increased thereby to maintain an internal circuit at a normal operating state.

Abstract: A latch-up controllable insulated gate bipolar transistor is formed with a thyristor structure, which has a first region of a first conductivity type, a second region of a second conductivity type formed on the first region, a third region of the first conductivity type formed on the second region, and a fourth region of the second conductivity type contacting the third region and forming a P-N junction therewith. The first and third regions contact a first and second electrode regions respectively. A first field effect transistor means for controlling conduction between the fourth region and the second region in response to an actuation bias; and a second field effect transistor means between the fourth region and the second electrode region for turning the thyristor off in response to a cutoff bias.

Abstract: A thyristor structure in which the DMOSFET connecting the N.sup.+ emitter to the N.sup.- drift region is eliminated and instead replaced with a DMOSFET connecting the N.sup.+ cathode to the N- drift region providing the base drive for the PNP transistor of the thyristor structure. The thyristor structure of the present invention provides lower on-state voltage drop as compared to prior art EST structures.

Abstract: MOS-gate controlled thyristor structures which have current saturation characteristics, do not have any parasitic thyristor structure, and require only a single gate drive. A resistive structure such as a MOSFET, Schottky diode, PN junction diode, diffused resistor or punch-through device (e.g. punch through PNP structure) is incorporated in series with the N.sup.+ emitter of the thyristor. In the on-state of the device, with a positive gate voltage, when operating at high currents, because of the voltage drop in the resistive structure in series with the N.sup.+ emitter, the potential of the N.sup.+ emitter, and along with it the potential of the P base, increases. When the potential is increased beyond a certain predetermined value, diversion of current is accomplished by one of the following ways: (i) the smallest distance between the P base region and the P.sup.+ cathode is such that punch-through occurs in these regions.

Abstract: An insulated gate turn-off (IGTO) device, formed as a die, has a layered structure including a p+ layer (e.g., a substrate), an n? epi layer, a p-well, vertical insulated gate regions formed in the p-well, and n+ regions between the gate regions, so that vertical NPN and PNP transistors are formed. The device is formed of a matrix of cells. To turn the device on, a positive voltage is applied to the gate, referenced to the cathode. The cells further contain a vertical p-channel MOSFET, for shorting the base of the NPN transistor to its emitter, to turn the NPN transistor off when the p-channel MOSFET is turned on by a slight negative voltage applied to the gate. This allows the IGTO device to be more easily turned off while in a latch-up condition, when the device is acting like a thyristor.