Patent ID: 8189308
Filing Date: 2012-05-29
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. An integrated circuit, comprising: an input/output pad for signal exchange with an external circuit; an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection unit coupled to the input/output pad and configured to form an ESD path between a first voltage line and a second voltage line; a first drive transistor coupled between the first voltage line and the input/output pad; a first driving control unit coupled to a gate of the first drive transistor and configured to control the first drive transistor; a first dummy drive transistor coupled between the first voltage line and the input/output pad; and a first auxiliary driving control unit configured to supply a first voltage of the first voltage line to a gate of the first dummy drive transistor in a normal operation mode, and float the gate of the first dummy drive transistor in a non-operation mode in which no power is supplied, wherein the first auxiliary driving control unit comprises: