A semiconductor device includes a region of semiconductor material of a first conductivity type and having a first major surface. A body region of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type is in the region of semiconductor material. The body region includes a stripe region; a first segment in the stripe region and having a first peak dopant concentration, a first depth into the region of semiconductor material, and a first length along the first major surface; and a second segment in the stripe region laterally adjacent to the first segment, adjacent to the first major surface, and having a second peak dopant concentration, a second depth into the region of semiconductor material, and a second length along the first major surface. A source region of the first conductivity type is in the first segment but not in at least part of the second segment. An insulated gate electrode adjoins the first segment and is configured to provide a first channel region in the first segment, adjoins the second segment and configured to provide a second channel region in the second segment, and adjoins the first source region. A conductive structure is connected to the first segment, the second segment, and the source region. During a linear mode of operation, current flows first in the second segment but not in the first segment to reduce the likelihood of thermal runaway.