Patent ID: 7616414
Filing Date: 2009-11-10
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
1. A transmit/receive switch operably coupled to high-speed signal pins of an integrated circuit, the transmit/receive switch comprises: a first switching element and a second switching element that cooperate to switch between a transmit state and a receive state in response to at least one transmit/receive control signal; a first string of clamping elements having a collective capacitance less than capacitance of one clamping element of the first string of clamping elements, wherein the first string of clamping elements is operably coupled to the first switching element and to conduct when a first polarity ESD voltage is applied to the high-speed signal pins; a second string of clamping elements having a collective capacitance less than capacitance of one clamping element of the second string of clamping elements, wherein the second string of clamping elements is operably coupled to the first switching element and to conduct when a second polarity ESD voltage is applied to the high-speed signal pins; a third string of clamping elements having a collective capacitance less than capacitance of one clamping element of the third string of clamping elements, wherein the third string of clamping elements is operably coupled to the second switching element and to conduct when the first polarity ESD voltage is applied to the high-speed signal pins; and a fourth string of clamping elements having a collective capacitance less than capacitance of one clamping element of the fourth string of clamping elements, wherein the fourth string of clamping elements is operably coupled to the second switching element and to conduct when the second polarity ESD voltage is applied to the high-speed signal pins.