JPH0138382B

A thyristor has a semiconductor body with an n-emitter provided with a cathode, a p-emitter provided with an anode, and two base layers respectively adjacent thereto. Mutually contridictory requirements for great stability against unintentional ignition operations and a high degree of trigger insensitivity are met as well as possible. To this end, a connectible n(p) emitter is provided laterally adjacent the n(p) emitter, the connectible n(p) emitter forming a three layer structure together with the two base layers with a higher current transfer ratio for the charge carriers emitted thereby than the n(p) emitter. For the purpose of producing a high degree of ignition insensitivity, the connectible n(p) emitter can be selectively connected to the n(p) emitter via a semiconductor switch. The area of use encompasses ignition-sensitive thyristors having a high dU/dt load requirement.