Thyristor, a method of triggering a thyristor, and thyristor circuits

A thyristor, comprising:

• a first region of a first conductivity type, wherein the first region is designated as the anode of the thyristor;
• a second region of a second conductivity type and adjoining the first region;
• a third region of the first conductivity type and adjoining the second region, wherein the third region comprises a well structure;
• a first segment of the second conductivity type, the first segment adjoining the third region and residing in the well structure, wherein the first segment is designated as the cathode of the thyristor;
• a second segment of the second conductivity type and that is separate from the first segment, the second segment adjoining the third region and residing in the well structure, wherein the first and second segments both reside in the same well structure, and wherein the second segment is designated as the gate of the thyristor;
• a resistive element electrically connecting the first segment and the third region;
• a diode electrically in parallel with the resistive element and being connected to both the first segment and to the third region, wherein a cathode of the diode is not directly connected to the gate of the thyristor;
• a first contact adjoining the first region;
• a second contact adjoining the first segment;
• and
• a trigger contact adjoining the second segment and separate from the second contact.