We have developed highly reliable field emitter arrays with a novel vertical current limiter fabricated with a deep trench forming technology. The vertical current limiter has a local current-control function that automatically prevents fatal are failure, and it has low resistance when used in the normal operation of a field emitter array. It has demonstrated a breakdown voltage as high as 120V and a negligible increase inoperation voltage, i.e., Vg of 70V at 1 mu A/tip with an emitter-cone density of more than 5x10(7) emitters/cm(2).