Three-terminal power mosfet switch for use as synchronous rectifier or voltage clamp

A power converter comprising:

• a semiconductor device comprising:
• a source region of a first conductivity type;
• a body region of a second conductivity type opposite to said first conductivity type adjacent said source region;
• a drain region of said first conductivity type adjacent said body region, wherein said source region and said body region are connected together and biased at a first voltage and said drain region is biased at a second voltage, said first and second voltages being established such that a junction between said body region and said drain region is forward-biased;
• a gate separated by an insulating layer from a channel region of said body region;
• and
• a first switch for alternately connecting said gate to said source region or to a third voltage, said third voltage being sufficient to turn said semiconductor device fully on;
• said power converter further comprising:
• an inductor;
• and
• a second switch connected in series with said inductor;
• wherein said semiconductor device is connected to a common node between said inductor and said second switch.