Characteristics of a p-n-p-n switch with an aluminum—Silicon Schottky diode clamp

An Al-Si Schottky diode has been incorporated in a p-n-p-n switch using a lateral p-n-p transistor and a vertical n-p-n transistor as a clamp. The switching characteristics are improved (speeded up). The dc characteristics display a negative resistance in the on region, and the on voltage at moderate currents is approximately the same as an unclamped p-n-p-n switch.