Multilayer semiconductor switching devices
OwnerJearld L. Hutsoninventor
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Abstract
The specification discloses semiconductor switching devices having more than five layers of alternating semiconductor conductivity types and which do not utilize substantial lateral switching currents during the operation thereof. Ones of the exterior layers of the devices are heavily doped. In one embodiment of the invention, an asymmetrical regenerative semiconductor switch is disclosed which operates in the general manner of a silicon controlled rectifier but which includes two blocking junctions therein. In another embodiment of the invention, a semiconductor switching device having symmetrical switching operation is disclosed.
Claims11
A semiconductor switch and associated circuitry formed in a unitary semiconductor body comprising:
- a semiconductor body having five layers of alternating first and second semiconductor conductivity types, the outer layers and one of the intermediate layers being constructed from said first conductivity type,
- a channel formed across one of said outer layers and extending through at least one of said layers to geometrically and electrically isolate first and second areas of said body, said one intermediate layer remaining integral and being common to and electrically available to both said first and second areas of said body,
- regions of said second conductivity type being formed over said outer layers in said first area,
- first electrodes contacting at least one of said outer layers and said regions of said second conductivity type to form a semiconductor switch in said first area,
- at least one region of said second conductivity type formed in one of said outer layers in said second area, and
- second electrodes contacting one of said outer layers and said region in said second area to form at least one electronic device which is geometrically and electrically isolated from said semiconductor switch in at least one mode, said electronic device operable in a second mode to provide switching signals through said one intermediate layer to cause switching operation of said semiconductor switch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.