(DE3009192-C)      The overload protection arrangement includes a protective element (30) for monitoring the component function and includes a photo-electric coupler. The protection element effects take-up of the recombination radiation consequent upon current throughflow in the semiconductor element. For this irradiation there is provided a surface section associated with a radiation opening in the semiconductor material of the element.    The protective element can be provided for monitoring of the through current and the operating temp. of the element. The protective element can be connected so as to be in thermal conductive relationship with the semiconductor material of the element. The arrangement is partic. for a thyristor semiconductor body (10) with high ohmic, n-conductive central zone (1) and higher doped p-conductive zone (2 or 3). (6pp)t    (EP35767-B)      Semiconductor device comprising at least one semiconductor component and a monitoring element (30) monitoring the function thereof, and in which as monitoring element (30) a component with internal photoelectric effect is provided for receiving the recombination radiation arising on passage of current through the semiconductor component in the semiconductor body (10) thereof, characterized in that in the one surface of the semiconductor body (10) a beam exit opening (8) is formed which extends into the higher resistance zones (1) and that the monitoring element (30) is thermally coupled to the semiconductor body (10). (7pp)s    (US4744672-A)      The semiconductor arrangement includes a semiconductor element composed of a semiconductor material which generates recombination radiation when current flows through the semiconductor element. A control element is disposed for monitoring the operation of the semiconductor element.    The control element has an internal photoelectric effect and is disposed for receiving the recombination radiation generated in the semiconductor material for producing an output parameter representative of the intensity of such radiation.    ADVANTAGE -   Effective protection and reduced heat loss. (7pp)