Patent ID: 6580592
Filing Date: 2003-06-17
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A semiconductor device for receiving an input signal, and power supply voltages, the semiconductor device comprising:an input line for receiving the input signal, first and second power supply lines for receiving power supply voltages, and an internal node; a first MOS transistor of a first conductive type, the first MOS transistor having a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a gate electrode, with the drain electrode connected to the input line and the source electrode connected to the internal node; a circuit element disposed between the first power supply line and the gate electrode of the first MOS transistor for applying a power supply voltage to the first MOS transistor gate electrode which maintains the first MOS transistor in an ON state; a second MOS transistor of the first conductive type disposed between the second power supply line and the internal node, the second MOS transistor having a source electrode connected to the second power supply line, a drain electrode connected to the internal node, and a gate electrode connected to the second power supply; and a protection device connecting the gate electrode of the first MOS transistor and the internal node to one another.