Patent ID: 8665571
Filing Date: 2014-03-04
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: an integrated circuit comprising: wherein the first node is not directly associated with the first pad, the second pad, or the third pad, and wherein the first protection subcircuit comprises a first silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) having an anode electrically connected to the first pad and a cathode electrically connected to the first node, and a second SCR having an anode electrically connected to the third pad and a cathode electrically connected to the first pad, wherein the second protection subcircuit comprises a third SCR having an anode electrically connected to the second pad and a cathode electrically connected to the first node, and a fourth SCR having an anode electrically connected to the third pad and a cathode electrically connected to the second pad, wherein in response to a first type of transient electrical event that increases a voltage of the first pad relative to a voltage of the second pad, the protection circuit is configured to provide a low impedance path from the first pad to the second pad through the first SCR, the third protection subcircuit, and the fourth SCR, wherein in response to a second type of transient electrical event that increases the voltage of the second pad relative to the voltage of the first pad, the protection circuit is configured to provide a low impedance path from the second pad to the first pad through the third SCR, the third protection subcircuit, and the second SCR.