Patent ID: 6040733
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: H01L,H02H

Abstract:
A electrostatic discharge protection circuit operatively coupled between a bonding pad of a semiconductor device and internal circuitry of the semiconductor device, the protection circuit comprising:first means, operatively coupled to the bonding pad and the internal circuitry, for providing a first discharge path having a relatively low resistance when a voltage on the bonding pad exceeds a threshold voltage value;wherein the resistance of the first discharge path substantially increases when a voltage on the bonding pad exceeds a prescribed voltage value and wherein the prescribed voltage value is greater than the threshold voltage value; anda second means, operatively coupled to the bonding pad and the internal circuitry, for providing a second discharge path when a voltage on the bonding pad exceeds the threshold voltage value and after the resistance of the first discharge path has been substantially increased.