Method for Controlling a Semiconductor Component

A method for operating a semiconductor component that comprises a semiconductor body and a transistor monolithically integrated in the semiconductor body, the transistor comprising a first sub-transistor having an ON-state and an OFF-state and a second sub-transistor having an ON-state and an OFF-state, the method comprising:

• causing the first sub-transistor to be in its ON-state and the second sub-transistor to be in its ON-state, wherein the first sub-transistor comprises a first load contact, a second load contact, a first load path formed between the first load contact and the second load contact of the first sub-transistor, and a first control contact for controlling an electric current through the first load path and wherein the second sub-transistor comprises a first load contact, a second load contact, a second load path formed between the first load contact and the second load contact of the second sub-transistor, and a second control contact for controlling an electric current through the second load path, the first load contact of the first sub-transistor being electrically connected to the first load contact of the second sub-transistor and the second load contact of the first sub-transistor being electrically connected to the second load contact of the second sub-transistor;
• switching the second sub-transistor to its OFF-state at a first point of time;
• switching the first sub-transistor to its OFF-state at a second point of time subsequent to the first point of time.

A semiconductor circuit comprising:

• a semiconductor component comprising a semiconductor body and a transistor monolithically integrated in the semiconductor body;
• wherein the transistor comprises a first sub-transistor and a second sub-transistor;
• wherein the first sub-transistor comprises a first load contact, a second load contact, a first load path formed between the first load contact and the second load contact of the first sub-transistor, and a first control contact for controlling an electric current through the first load path;
• wherein the second sub-transistor comprises a first load contact, a second load contact, a second load path formed between the first load contact and the second load contact of the second sub-transistor, and a second control contact for controlling an electric current through the second load path;
• wherein the first load contact of the first sub-transistor is electrically connected to the first load contact of the second sub-transistor;
• wherein the second load contact of the first sub-transistor is electrically connected to the second load contact of the second sub-transistor;
• wherein the first sub-transistor has an ON-state and an OFF-state and the second sub-transistor has an ON-state and an OFF-state;
• and
• a control circuit, configured to cause the first sub-transistor to switch from a first state to a second state at a first point of time and to cause the second sub-transistor to switch from the first state to the second state at a second point of time subsequent to the first point of time.