Patent ID: 8440061
Filing Date: 2013-05-14
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A device for use with an RE generating source, a first electrode, a second electrode and an element, the RE generating source being operable to provide an RF signal to the first electrode and thereby create a potential between the first electrode and the second electrode, said device comprising: a connecting portion operable to electrically connect to one of the first electrode, the second electrode and the element; a current sink in electrical connection with said connection portion and a path to ground; and a plurality of voltage sources, wherein said current sink comprises a voltage threshold and a plurality of diodes arranged in parallel, wherein each of said plurality of voltage sources is operable to provide a bias voltage to a corresponding one of said plurality of diodes, respectively, wherein said plurality of diodes is operable to change the voltage threshold based on the bias voltages provided by said plurality of voltage sources, and wherein said current sink is operable to conduct current from said connecting portion to ground when a voltage on the electrically connected one of the first electrode, the second electrode and the element is greater than the voltage threshold.