Patent ID: 6249410
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: H01L,H02H

Abstract:
An ESD protection circuit connected between a first terminal and a second terminal of an integrated circuit for dissipating an electrostatic charge from an ESD source coupled from the first terminal to the second terminal to protect said integrated circuit from damage caused by exposure to extreme voltage from said ESD source, whereby said ESD protection circuit comprises:a charge dissipation means for shunting said electrostatic charge from integrated circuit, having a first port connected to the first terminal, a second port connected to the second terminal, and a third port;an ESD detection means having a first input port connected to the first terminal, a second input port connected to the second terminal, and an output port connected to the third port of the charge dissipation means, whereby in detecting a presence of said electrostatic charge, said ESD detection means generates an excess voltage at said third port that will damage the charge dissipation means; anda voltage clamping means connected between the third port of the charge dissipation means and the second terminal to prevent the generation of the excess voltage at the third port of the charge dissipation means.