Semiconductor led device and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

A semiconductor LED device in which a reverse p-n junction diode protective element is integrated with a single p-n junction AlGaInN semiconductor LED element having a conventional structure, so that the semiconductor LED device exhibits high resistance to reverse voltage. In accordance with the function of the reverse p-n junction diode protective element, the p-n junction LED element can be securely protected from external static electricity and momentary reverse overvoltage applied thereto. In particular, it is possible to basically eliminate causes of a p-n junction breakage occurring in an LED element due to application of a reverse voltage frequently occurring during a process of the LED element, thereby greatly improving the reliability and yield of the LED element. The p-n junction LED element and the reverse p-n junction diode protective element are integrated with each other on the same substrate such that electrical connection is provided between the p-electrode of the LED element and the n-electrode of the protective element and between the n-electrode of the LED element and the p-electrode of the protective element in accordance with a semiconductor process.