Ohmic and rectifying contacts to a TaC layer on an n-type or p-type area of an SiC substrate are formed by depositing a WC layer over the TaC layer, followed by a metallic W layer. Such contacts are stable to at least 1150.degree. C. Electrodes connect to the contacts either directly or via a protective bonding layer such as Pt or PtAu alloy through a dielectric layer.