Patent ID: 8559155
Filing Date: 2013-10-15
Classification: H05K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for protecting an object that is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD), comprising: a first plate of electrically conductive material; a second plate of electrically conductive material; an insulator layer of electrically non-conductive material interposed between at least a portion of the first plate and at least a portion of the second plate, wherein the insulator layer includes a discontinuity in the form of either a hole or an area of reduced thickness; a target plate of electrically conductive material interposed between a portion of the first plate and a portion of the second plate, wherein the target plate is completely separated from the first plate and the second plate and is positioned to overlie the discontinuity of the insulator layer; an impedance layer of static dissipative material at least partially surrounds the target plate, wherein a first portion of the impedance layer is interposed between the first plate and the target plate, wherein a second portion of the impedance layer is interposed between the target plate and the second plate and extends within the discontinuity of the insulator layer, and wherein the electrical impedance of the impedance layer is less than the electrical impedance of the insulator layer; and wherein ESD current flows in a path from the first plate, then through the first portion of the impedance layer, then through the target plate, then through the second portion of the impedance layer and through the discontinuity of the insulator layer, and then to the second plate.