Patent ID: 6529059
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
An integrated circuit, comprising:a circuit to be protected from an electrostatic discharge event coupled between an output bond pad and a reference potential, the circuit comprising a transistor having a first electrode coupled to the output bond pad, and a second electrode; a degeneration device coupled between the second electrode and the reference potential; and a diode coupled between the second electrode and the reference potential, an anode of the diode coupled to the second electrode and a cathode of the diode coupled to the reference potential, the diode being forward biased and non-conducting during normal operation ofthe circuit, the diode being forward biased and conducting during the electrostatic discharge event that raises a voltage at the output bond pad more than one diode voltage drop above the voltage ofthe reference potential, the integrated circuit being configured so as to eliminate a need for a steering diode connected to the output bond pad.