An overvoltage protection device includes a semiconductor body including a substrate region disposed beneath an upper surface of the semiconductor body, first and second contact pads disposed over the upper surface of the semiconductor body, a trenched connector formed in the semiconductor body, a vertical voltage blocking device formed in the semiconductor body, wherein the trenched connector includes a trench that is formed in the upper surface of the semiconductor body and extends to the substrate region, and a metal electrode disposed within the trench, wherein the metal electrode forms an electrically conductive connection between the first contact pad and the substrate region, and wherein the voltage blocking device is connected between the second contact pad and the substrate region.