US Patent 9467138 Semiconductor apparatus

A semiconductor apparatus includes a switching element configured to include a gate electrode, a first main electrode, a second main electrode, a sense electrode to output a sense current smaller than a principal current depending on the principal current flowing in the first main electrode, and to turn off when a control voltage being applied between the gate electrode and the first main electrode is reduced; a sense diode configured to include an anode connected with the sense electrode, and a cathode connected with the second main electrode; and a connection circuit configured to connect the gate electrode with the sense electrode when the switching element turns off.