Abstract: A trench gate semiconductor switching element is provided. The semiconductor substrate of the element includes a second conductivity type bottom region in contact with the gate insulation layer at a bottom surface of the trench, and a first conductivity type second semiconductor region extending from a position in contact with a lower surface of the body region to a position in contact with a lower surface of the bottom region. The bottom region includes a first bottom region in contact with the gate insulation layer in a first range of the bottom surface positioned at an end in a long direction of the trench and extending from the bottom surface to a first position; and a second bottom region in contact with the gate insulation layer in a second range adjacent to the first range and extending from the bottom surface to a second position lower than the first position.

Abstract: A power semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor body coupled to a first load terminal and a second load terminal, and includes: a first doped region of a second conductivity type electrically connected to the first load terminal; a recombination zone arranged at least within the first doped region; an emitter region of the second conductivity type electrically connected to the second load terminal; and a drift region of a first conductivity type arranged between the first doped region and the emitter region. The drift region and the first doped region enable the power semiconductor device to operate in: a conducting state during which a load current between the load terminals is conducted along a forward direction; in a forward blocking state during which a forward voltage applied between the load terminals is blocked; and in a reverse blocking state during which a reverse voltage applied between the terminals is blocked.

Abstract: Methods of forming a field-effect transistor and structures for a field-effect transistor. A gate structure is formed that overlaps with a channel region beneath a top surface of a semiconductor fin. The semiconductor fin is etched with an anisotropic etching process to form a cavity having a sidewall with a planar section extending vertically toward the top surface of the semiconductor fin and adjacent to the channel region in the semiconductor fin. The semiconductor fin is then etched with an isotropic etching process that widens the cavity at the top surface while preserving verticality of the planar section.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention shows a high-voltage MOS field-effect transistor connected in series with a Schottky diode. When the Schottky diode is forwardly biased, the high-voltage MOSFET can act as a switch and sustain a high drain-to-source voltage. When the Schottky diode is reversely biased, the Schottky diode can protect the integrate circuit where the high-voltage MOSFET is formed, because the integrate circuit might otherwise burn out due to an exceedingly-large reverse current.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type, a first semiconductor region of the first conductivity type, a second semiconductor region of the second conductivity type, a gate insulating film, and a gate electrode. The semiconductor device further includes, in a region of the first semiconductor layer across or adjacent to a p-n junction therein that does not overlap the second semiconductor region in a plan view except lateral edges thereof, a lifetime killer region having lifetime killers implanted therein.

Abstract: Methods of forming a high voltage ESD GGNMOS using embedded gradual PN junction in the source region and the resulting devices are provided. Embodiments include a device having a substrate including a device region with an ESD protection circuit; a gate over the device region; a source region in the device region having a N+ implant and a P+ implant laterally separated on a first side of the gate; and a drain region in the device region on a second side of the gate, opposite the first.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with a simplified structure including an energization control element and reverse coupling protection element, and a manufacturing method therefor. Its semiconductor substrate has deep and shallow trenches in its first surface. A first n-type impurity region lies in its second surface in contact with the deep trench bottom. A p-type impurity region includes: a p-type base region to make a pn junction with the first n-type region and in contact with the shallow trench bottom; and a back gate region joined to the p-type base region, lying in the first surface. A second n-type impurity region makes a pn junction with the p-type impurity region, lying in the first surface in contact with the shallow trench side face. An n+ source region makes a pn junction with the p-type region, lying in the first surface in contact with the side faces of deep and shallow trenches.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to one or more embodiments may include: a drain region; a drift region positioned above the drain region; a base region positioned on the drift region; a trench positioned to abut the base region and the drift region; an insulating in the trench; a counter electrode embedded in the insulating film; a gate electrode positioned above the counter electrode and that is embedded in the insulating film; and a source region that abuts the base region and the trench, wherein a thickness of the insulating film between the gate electrode and an interface between the drift region and the base region is larger than a thickness of the insulating film between the gate electrode and an interface between the source region and the base region.

Abstract: A structure capable of effectively preventing dopant diffusion from source/drain regions into an underlying semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) layer of fully-depleted SOI transistors with U-shaped channels is provided. By inserting a dopant diffusion barrier layer between an SOI layer of an SOI substrate and a doped extension layer from which source/drain extension regions are derived, the undesired dopant diffusion from the source/drain extension regions into the underlying SOI layer can be prevented.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a fin structure having a top face and a first side face and a second side face opposite to the first side face, forming a lower cover layer over the first and second side faces, forming an upper cover layer over the first and second side faces, the upper cover layer being spaced apart from the lower cover layer so that exposed regions of the first and second side faces are formed between the lower cover layer and the upper cover layer, and forming first and second semiconductor layers over the exposed regions of the first and second side faces, respectively.

Abstract: A transistor includes a semiconductor body; a first gate electrode formed on a first portion of the semiconductor body and a second gate electrode formed on a second portion of the semiconductor body. A drain region is formed on a first side of the first gate electrode and a first source region is formed on a second side of the first gate electrode. The drain region is formed on a first side of the second gate electrode and a second source region is formed on a second side of the second gate electrode. A trench is formed in the semiconductor body and positioned in the drain region. A doped sidewall region is formed in the semiconductor body along the sidewall of the trench outside of the trench. The doped sidewall region is in electrical contact with the drain region and forms a vertical drain current path for the transistor.

Abstract: Disclosed examples provide integrated circuits including a source down transistor with a gate, a body region, an n-type source region, an n-type drain region, a p-type body contact region below the n-type source region which extends to a first depth, along with a protection diode which includes an n-type cathode region, and a p-type anode region below the n-type cathode region, where the breakdown voltage of the protection diode is defined by adjusting the relative doping concentrations and/or the vertical locations of the p-type anode region with respect to the n-type cathode region.

Abstract: A high-voltage switching device that can be fabricated in a standard low-voltage process, such as CMOS, and more specifically SOI CMOS. Embodiments include integrated circuits that combine, in a unitary structure, a FET device and an integrated, co-fabricated modulated resistance region (MRR) controlled by one or more Voltage-Drop Modulation Gates (VDMGs). The VDMGs are generally biased independently of the gate of the FET device, and in such a way as to protect each VDMG from excessive and potentially destructive voltages. In a first embodiment, an integrated circuit high voltage switching device includes a transistor structure including a source, a gate, and an internal drain; an MRR connected to the internal drain of the transistor structure; at least one VDMG that controls the resistance of the MRR; and a drain electrically connected to the MRR. Each VDMG at least partially depletes the MRR upon application of a bias voltage.

Abstract: Vertical MOSFET and JFET devices are incorporated on the same chip, enabling circuit designs that benefit from the simultaneous use of such devices. A fabrication method allows formation of the devices using a shared source/drain layer on a bulk semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A device includes a vertical transistor and a lateral transistor on a substrate, wherein the vertical transistor comprises a first gate in a first trench, a second gate in a second trench, a source and a drain, wherein the source and the drain are on opposite sides of the first trench and the lateral transistor and the drain are on opposite sides of the second trench.

Abstract: Vertical integration schemes and circuit elements architectures for area scaling of semiconductor devices are described. In an example, an inverter structure includes a semiconductor fin separated vertically into an upper region and a lower region. A first plurality of gate structures is included for controlling the upper region of the semiconductor fin. A second plurality of gate structures is included for controlling the lower region of the semiconductor fin. The second plurality of gate structures has a conductivity type opposite the conductivity type of the first plurality of gate structures.

Abstract: A field effect device includes a semiconductor body separating a source and a drain, both source and drain coupled to the semiconductor body. An insulated control gate is located over the semiconductor body between the source and drain and configured to control a conductive channel extending between the source and drain. First and second doped regions such as highly-doped regions are adjacent to the source. The first or second doped region may be a cathode short region electrically coupled to the source. The cathode short region may be used in a bidirectional power MOSFET.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure for facilitating an integration of power devices on a common substrate includes a first insulating layer formed on the substrate and an active region having a first conductivity type formed on at least a portion of the first insulating layer. A first terminal is formed on an upper surface of the structure and electrically connects with at least one other region having the first conductivity type formed in the active region. A buried well having a second conductivity type is formed in the active region and is coupled with a second terminal formed on the upper surface of the structure. The buried well and the active region form a clamping diode which positions a breakdown avalanche region between the buried well and the first terminal. A breakdown voltage of at least one of the power devices is a function of characteristics of the buried well.

Abstract: A multi-cell MOSFET device including a MOSFET cell with an integrated Schottky diode is provided. The MOSFET includes n-type source regions formed in p-type well regions which are formed in an n-type drift layer. A p-type body contact region is formed on the periphery of the MOSFET. The source metallization of the device forms a Schottky contact with an n-type semiconductor region adjacent the p-type body contact region of the device. Vias can be formed through a dielectric material covering the source ohmic contacts and/or Schottky region of the device and the source metallization can be formed in the vias. The n-type semiconductor region forming the Schottky contact and/or the n-type source regions can be a single continuous region or a plurality of discontinuous regions alternating with discontinuous p-type body contact regions. The device can be a SiC device. Methods of making the device are also provided.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide high-performance highly-reliable power semiconductor device.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an array of needle-shaped trenches extending into a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device further includes a gate trench grid extending into the semiconductor substrate. A gate electrode of a transistor structure is located within the gate trench grid. A gate wiring structure of the transistor structure is connected to the gate electrode of the transistor structure. A field electrode located within at least one needle-shaped trench of the array of needle-shaped trenches is connected to the gate wiring structure of the transistor structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate includes a bulk substrate layer that extends along a first axis to define a width and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis to define a height. A plurality of hetero semiconductor fins includes an epitaxial material formed on a first region of the bulk substrate layer. A plurality of non-hetero semiconductor fins is formed on a second region of the bulk substrate layer different from the first region. The non-hetero semiconductor fins are integrally formed from the bulk substrate layer such that the material of the non-hetero semiconductor fins is different from the epitaxial material.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a gate structure extending from a first surface into a semiconductor portion and having a metal gate electrode and a gate dielectric separating the metal gate electrode from the semiconductor portion. An interlayer dielectric separates a first load electrode from the semiconductor portion, and includes a screen oxide layer thinner than the gate dielectric. A body zone and a source zone are formed in the semiconductor portion and directly adjoin the gate structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and the method of manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor device comprises a substrate, a source region, a drain region, a filed plate and a gate electrode. The source region is of a first conductivity type located at a first side within the substrate. The drain region is of the first conductive type located at a second side within the substrate opposite to the first side. The field plate is located over the substrate and between the source region and the drain region. A portion of the gate electrode is located over the field plate.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device includes forming a fin over a substrate, forming an isolation region adjacent the fin, forming a dummy gate structure over the fin, recessing the fin adjacent the dummy gate structure to form a first recess using a first etching process, reshaping the first recess to form a reshaped first recess using a second etching process, wherein the second etching process etches upper portions of the fin adjacent the top of the recess more than the second etching process etches lower portions of the fin adjacent the bottom of the recess, and epitaxially growing a source/drain region in the reshaped first recess. Reshaping the first recess includes performing an oxide etch process, wherein the oxide etch process forms a porous material layer within the recess.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises forming a first hardmask, a planarizing layer, and a second hardmask on a substrate. Removing portions of the second hardmask and forming alternating blocks of a first material and a second material over the second hardmask. The blocks of the second material are removed to expose portions of the planarizing layer. Exposed portions of the planarizing layer and the first hardmask are removed to expose portions of the first hardmask. Portions of the first hardmask and portions of the substrate are removed to form a first fin and a second fin. Portions of the substrate are removed to further increase the height of the first fin and substantially remove the second fin. A gate stack is formed over a channel region of the first fin.

Abstract: In an embodiment, on an n?type SiC layer on an n+-type SiC semiconductor substrate and a p+ layer selectively formed on the n?type SiC layer, a p base layer is formed on which, a p+ contact layer is selectively formed. From a surface, an n counter layer penetrates the p base layer to the n?type SiC layer. A gate electrode layer is disposed via a gate insulating film, on an exposed surface of the p base layer between the p+ contact layer and the n counter layer; and a source electrode contacts the p+ contact layer and the p base layer. In a back surface, a drain electrode is disposed. A portion of the p+ layers are joined at a region of a drain electrode side of the n counter layer, by a joining unit and a p+ layer contacts a drain electrode side of the p+ layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first transistor structure including a first transistor body region of a first conductivity type located within a semiconductor substrate. At least part of the first transistor body region is located between a first source/drain region of the first transistor structure and a second source/drain region of the first transistor structure. The semiconductor device includes a second transistor structure including a second transistor body region of a second conductivity type located within the semiconductor substrate. At least part of the second transistor body region is located between a first source/drain region of the second transistor structure and a second source/drain region of the second transistor structure. At least part of the second source/drain region of the second transistor structure is located between a doping region comprising the second source/drain region of the first transistor structure and the second transistor body region.

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 gates formed in the P-well, and N+ regions between at least some of the gates, so that vertical NPN and PNP transistors are formed. A source/emitter electrode is on top, and a drain/cathode electrode is on the bottom of the substrate. The device is formed of a matrix of cells. To turn the device on, a positive voltage is applied to the gates, referenced to the source/emitter electrode. Some of the cells are passive, having gates that are either not connected to the active gates or having gates that are shorted to their associated N+ regions, to customize the input capacitance and lower the saturation current. Other techniques are described to form the passive cells.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The semiconductor body includes a load current component having a load current transistor area and a sensor component including a sensor transistor area. The sensor transistor area has first and third transistor area parts differing from a second transistor area part between the first and third transistor area parts by a sensor transistor area element being absent in the second transistor area part. The second transistor area part is electrically disconnected from a parallel connection of the first and third transistor area parts by the sensor transistor area element being absent in the second transistor area part.

Abstract: A fin field effect transistor device with air gaps, including a source/drain layer on a substrate, one or more vertical fin(s) in contact with source/drain layer, a gate metal fill that forms a portion of a gate structure on each of the one or more vertical fin(s), and a bottom void space between the source/drain layer and the gate metal fill.

Abstract: A semiconductor device of an embodiment includes an SiC layer having a first and a second plane, an n-type first SiC region in the SiC layer, p-type second SiC regions between the first SiC region and the first plane, n-type third SiC regions between the second SiC regions and the first plane, a gate electrode provided between two p-type second SiC regions, a gate insulating film provided between the gate electrode and the second SiC regions, a metal layer provided between two p-type second SiC regions, and having a work function of 6.5 eV or more, and a first electrode electrically connected to the metal layer, and a second electrode, the SiC layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a part of the first SiC region is disposed between the gate insulating film and the metal layer.

Abstract: According to example configurations herein, a leadframe includes a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, and a third conductive strip disposed substantially adjacent and substantially parallel to each other. A semiconductor chip substrate includes a first array of switch circuits disposed adjacent and parallel to a second array of switch circuits. Source nodes in switch circuits of the first array are disposed substantially adjacent and substantially parallel to source nodes in switch circuits of the second array. When the semiconductor chip and the leadframe device are combined to form a circuit package, a connectivity interface between the semiconductor chip and conductive strips in the circuit package couples each of the source nodes in switch circuits of the first array and each of the multiple source nodes in switch circuits of the second array to a common conductive strip in the leadframe device.

Abstract: A method of forming a vertical fin field effect transistor (vertical finFET) with two concentric gate structures, including forming one or more tubular vertical fins on a substrate, forming a first gate structure around an outer wall of at least one of the one or more tubular vertical fins, and forming a second gate structure within an inner wall of at least one of the one or more tubular vertical fins having the first gate structure around the outer wall.

Abstract: A power semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor body for conducting a load current between first and second load terminals; source and channel regions and a drift volume in the semiconductor body; a semiconductor zone in the semiconductor body and coupling the drift volume to the second load terminal, a first transition established between the semiconductor zone and the drift volume; a control electrode insulated from the semiconductor body and the load terminals and configured to control a path of the load current in the channel region; and a trench extending into the drift volume along an extension direction and including a field electrode. An ohmic resistance of the field electrode is greater than an ohmic resistance of the control electrode. A distance between the field electrode and the first transition is at least 70% of the total extension of the drift volume in the extension direction.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device is provided. The device includes a semiconductor substrate having a main surface and a rear surface vertically spaced apart from the main surface, a first doped region, a second doped region and a third doped region. The third doped region is interposed between the first and second doped regions beneath the main surface. Field plate trenches having field plates vertically extend from the main surface to a bottom that is arranged in the first doped region. A gate trench having a gate electrode vertically extends from the main surface to the first doped region. A compensation zone vertically extends from the bottom of the gate trench deeper into the first doped region. The compensation zone is laterally aligned with the gate trench and is adjacent to the field plates along a cross-sectional plane of the device that is parallel to the main surface.

Abstract: A silicon carbide semiconductor device includes a silicon carbide substrate, a gate oxide film, and a gate electrode. A trench is provided in the main surface to have a side surface and a bottom portion. A contact point between a first side surface portion and a second side surface portion is located in a third impurity region. An angle formed by the first side surface portion and a straight line extending through the contact point and parallel to the main surface is smaller than an angle formed by the second side surface portion and a boundary surface between a first impurity region and a second impurity region. A thickness of a portion of the gate oxide film on the contact point between the main surface and the first side surface portion is larger than a thickness of a portion of the gate oxide film on the second impurity region.

Abstract: A fin structure for a fin field effect transistor (FinFET) device is provided. The device includes a substrate, a first semiconductor material disposed on the substrate, a shallow trench isolation (STI) region disposed over the substrate and formed on opposing sides of the first semiconductor material, and a second semiconductor material forming a first fin and a second fin disposed on the STI region, the first fin spaced apart from the second fin by a width of the first semiconductor material. The fin structure may be used to generate the FinFET device by forming a gate layer formed over the first fin, a top surface of the first semiconductor material disposed between the first and second fins, and the second fin.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an insulated gate switching device is provided. The method includes: forming a first trench in a surface of a first SiC semiconductor layer; implanting p-type impurities into a bottom surface of the first trench; depositing a second SiC semiconductor layer on an inner surface of the first trench to form a second trench; and forming a gate insulating layer, a gate electrode, a first region and a body region so that the gate insulating layer covers an inner surface of the second trench, the gate electrode is located in the second trench, the first region is of n-type and in contact with the gate insulating layer, the body region is of p-type, separated from the implanted region, and in contact with the gate insulating layer under the first region.

Abstract: An embodiment of a semiconductor device includes forming an active region that extends vertically into the semiconductor material in which the semiconductor device is formed. The active region may include a P-N junction or alternately a gate or a channel region of an MOS transistor.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices, FinFET devices with optimized strained-source-drain recess profiles and methods of forming the same are provided. One of the semiconductor devices includes a substrate, a gate stack over the substrate and a strained layer in a recess of the substrate and aside the gate stack. Besides, a ratio of a depth at the greatest width of the recess to a width of the gate stack ranges from about 0.5 to 0.7.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate having a first main surface and a transistor cell includes a drift region, a body region between the drift region and the first main surface, an active trench at the first main surface extending into the drift region, a gate insulating layer at sidewalls and a bottom side of the active trench, a gate conductive layer in the active trench, a source region in the body region, and adjacent to the active trench, a body trench at the first main surface extending into the drift region, the body trench being adjacent to the body region and to the drift region, an insulating layer at sidewalls and at a bottom side of the body trench, the insulating layer being asymmetric with respect to an axis extending perpendicular to the first main surface at a center of the body trench, and a conductive layer in the body trench.

Abstract: In an LDMOS having an element isolation region of an STI structure, there is prevented an occurrence of insulation breakdown which might be caused when electrons generated in a semiconductor substrate near an edge portion of a bottom face of the element isolation region are poured into a gate electrode. Immediately over an upper surface of an offset region adjacent to the element isolation region embedded in a main surface of the semiconductor substrate between a source region and a drain region, there is provided a trench penetrating a silicon film forming the gate electrode. As a consequence, the silicon film and a metal film for filling the trench form the gate electrode.

Abstract: This invention discloses a semiconductor power device disposed in a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor power device comprises a plurality of trenches each having a trench endpoint with an endpoint sidewall perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the trench and extends vertically downward from a top surface to a trench bottom surface. The semiconductor power device further includes a trench bottom dopant region disposed below the trench bottom surface and a sidewall dopant region disposed along the endpoint sidewall wherein the sidewall dopant region extends vertically downward along the endpoint sidewall of the trench to reach the trench bottom dopant region and pick-up the trench bottom dopant region to the top surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided that includes a deep trench defining an active region, and a fin-type pattern protruding within the active region. The fin-type pattern having a lower portion, an upper portion of a narrower width than the lower portion, and a first stepped portion formed at a boundary between the upper portion and the lower portion. The device also includes a first field insulating film surrounding the lower portion and a second field insulating film formed on the first field insulating film and partially surrounding the upper portion.

Abstract: A high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) structure including a substrate, a barrier layer, a buffer layer, a source, a drain, a multi-gate structure, and a multi-field plate structure is provided. The barrier layer is disposed over the substrate. The buffer layer is disposed between the substrate and the barrier layer, and includes a channel region adjacent to an interface between the barrier layer and the buffer layer. The source and the drain are disposed on the barrier layer. The multi-gate structure is disposed between the source and the drain, and includes first conductive finger portions spaced apart from each other. The multi-field plate structure is disposed between the multi-gate structure and the drain, and includes second conductive finger portions spaced apart from each other. The first conductive finger portions and the second conductive finger portions are in an alternate and parallel arrangement.

Abstract: A structure having: a plurality of field effect transistors (FETs) connected between a common input and a common output, each one of the field effect transistors comprises: a source region, a drain region, and a gate electrode for controlling carriers through a channel region of a transistor region of the structure between the source region and the drain region; a plurality of diodes, each one of the diodes being associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of FETs, each one of the diodes having an electrode in Schottky contact with a diode region of the corresponding one of the FETs. The gate electrode and the diode electrode extend along parallel lines. The source region, the drain region, the channel region, and a diode region having therein the diode are disposed along a common line.

Abstract: Semiconductor structure and fabrication method thereof are provided. An exemplary method includes providing a semiconductor substrate including a plurality of first fin structures, each having a first width, and a plurality of second fin structures, each having a second width greater than the first width. The method further includes forming a first isolation film covering sidewall surfaces of the first fin structures and the second fin structures, forming a trench in the first isolation film to expose at least a top portion of at least one sidewall surface of one or more second fin structures, forming an isolation fluid layer to fill the trenches, and performing an oxygen annealing process to convert a surface layer of the top portion of the at least one sidewall surface of the one or more second fin structures into a by-product layer, and to convert the isolation fluid layer into a second isolation film.

Abstract: A method of forming a power rail to semiconductor devices comprising removing a portion of the gate structure forming a gate cut trench separating a first active region of fin structures from a second active region of fin structures. A conformal etch stop layer is formed in the gate cut trench. A fill material is formed on the conformal etch stop layer filling at least a portion of the gate cut trench. The fill material has a composition that is etched selectively to the conformal etch stop layer. A power rail is formed in the gate cut trench. The conformal etch stop layer obstructs lateral etching during forming the power rail to substantially eliminate power rail to gate structure shorting.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor region, a first and second electrodes. The semiconductor region is provided on the semiconductor substrate via an insulating film. The semiconductor region includes a protection diode. An overvoltage causes breakdown of the protection diode. A PN junction of the protection diode is exposed at an end face of the semiconductor region. A first and second electrodes are provided distally to the exposed end face of the PN junction. The first and second electrodes are connected to the semiconductor region to provide a current to the protection diode.