Patent ID: 6501630
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A bi-directional device for protecting a circuit against electrostatic discharge having four adjacent regions, said device comprising:a first region and a third region formed from a semiconductor substrate having a p-type conductivity; a second region and a fourth region formed from said semiconductor substrate having an n-type conductivity; and a resistor connected between said third region and an anode terminal; wherein said first region is for connection to said anode terminal of said bi-directional device, and wherein said fourth region is for connection a cathode terminal of said bi-directional device, said anode terminal being for connection to a signal terminal of said circuit when said cathode terminal is connected to a positive power line of said circuit, and said cathode terminal is for connection to said signal terminal when said anode terminal is connected to one of a ground line and a negative power line of said circuit; and wherein said first region includes a first portion having an n-type conductivity for additional connection to said anode terminal and said third region includes an extended portion which extends into said fourth region for another connection to said cathode terminal.