Patent ID: 7551414
Filing Date: 2009-06-23
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. In a digital integrated circuit of the type having a functional circuit that is susceptible to damage from an electrostatic discharge event, the improvement comprising an electrostatic discharge protection element placed in series with the functional circuit and disposed upstream in a normal direction of current flow from the functional circuit, the electrostatic discharge protection element comprising: a resistive choke that exhibits thermal runaway and formed of (1 ) a material having a relatively high temperature coefficient of resistance, from which the resistive choke is formed, (2) a material having a relatively low thermal conductivity, within which the resistive choke is immediately disposed, and (3) a pinch point that creates a relatively high current density within the pinch point of the resistive choke, and an inductive choke in series with the resistive choke, and formed of a transmission line with dead-end electrically conductive stubs disposed along its length.