Deactivatable thyristor

Abstract

A thyristor includes a semiconductor body having a first emitter layer and a first base layer on an anode side, a second base layer and a second emitter layer on a cathode side, a cathode contact, and an electrically insulating insulation layer having openings. The insulation layer is disposed between the second emitter layer and the cathode contact. The openings have dimensions and spacings making the insulation layer form an electrical resistor for reducing current filamentation. A series resistor is incorporated on the cathode side and is formed by the pierced insulation layer between the cathode side metallizing, forming the terminal contact, and the doped semiconductor material of the emitter on the cathode side. The openings are preferably cylindrical. In a silicon component element, the insulation layer preferably is SiO2 or Si3N4, or a layered succession of SiO2 and Si3N4.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.