Semiconductor circuit and semiconductor device for use in equipment such as a power converting apparatus

A semiconductor circuit comprising:

• a circuit including at least a semiconductor device, said circuit, including at least said semiconductor device, allowing current flow therethrough when turned on and preventing current flow therethrough when turned off,
• an inductance connected to the circuit including at least said semiconductor device,
• a direct current power supply connected to the circuit including at least said semiconductor device through said inductance, the direct current power supply applying a voltage across terminals of the circuit including at least said semiconductor device, and
• means which gives a current-voltage characteristic to said semiconductor device, said current-voltage characteristic being such that (i) for values of said voltage equal to or greater than a first voltage value but equal to or smaller than a second voltage value, the magnitude of said current increases with an increase in said voltage and (ii) for values of said voltage greater than said second voltage value, said current rises at a rate greater than a rate for values of said voltage equal to or greater than said first voltage value but equal to or smaller than said second voltage value.