Thyristor with integrated power supply for an associated circuit and method for manufacture thereof

A thyristor having a p-n-p-n semiconductor construction has a shoulder of the n-base extending through the p-base to an exterior surface of the body of the thyristor and is connected to an associated circuit to supply the circuit with operating current. The shoulder has a first part at the boundary surface of the body and a second part with smaller cross-sectional dimensions, connected between the first part and the n-base. The cross-sectional dimensions of the conductive connection between the shoulder and the external circuit are less than the corresponding dimensions of the first part, such that the conductive coating is shielded from the space charge zone adjacent the second part.