Integrated freewheeling diode and extraction device

Abstract

A Freewheeling Diode of any kind (Fast Recovery Diode, Schottky Barrier Diode or other variants) is integrated with a Forced Extraction Device and in this way two entirely different functions—the Free-Wheeling function and the Forced Extraction function are combined in one device, simplifying the circuit and reducing the number of components. The FWD part of the integrated device is standard in the industry, but the Forced Extraction Device is made using a lateral or vertical PMOS with a votage capability between a control input and the output terminals that is as high or higher than the rating voltage of the Main Switch that will be used together with the FWD.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A semiconductor device formed on a semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor having a first, second, third, and fourth terminals, the semiconductor device comprising:
 a freewheeling diode coupled between the first and second terminals; and   an Extraction Device structured to be coupled to a conductivity modulation switch device through the third terminal, the Extraction Device further coupled to the second terminal and the fourth terminal.