Patent ID: 7786507
Filing Date: 2010-08-31
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A symmetrical bi-directional semiconductor electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device, comprising: a central well having a first electrical conductivity type; a first shallow well and a second shallow well substantially symmetrically spaced apart from the central well, wherein the first and second shallow wells have a second electrical conductivity type, and wherein respective shallow wells comprise: one or more field plates over an insulating layer configured above the central well and laterally extending in the direction of the first or second shallow well, wherein the one or more field plates are electrically connected to the central well; and wherein upon an ESD event at an input node comprising the first shallow well and the first and second contact implants, a coupled npn-pnp bipolar component comprising the central well, the first and second shallow wells, and the first and second contact implants, is triggered, thereby shunting current from the first shallow well to the second shallow well and causing the one or more field plates to be coupled to the central well.