Patent ID: 7436223
Filing Date: 2008-10-14
Classification: H01L,H03K

Abstract:
1. An integrated circuit having negative potential protection, comprising: a switch, comprising: a gate drive circuit including a first input, a second input and an output, wherein the output of the gate drive circuit is coupled across a gate and a source of the switch; and a comparator including an output, a first input and a second input, wherein an output of the comparator is coupled to the second input of the gate drive circuit, the first input of the comparator receives a reference signal and the second input of the comparator is coupled to the first-type epitaxial pocket which functions as a drain of the switch, and wherein the comparator provides a turn-on signal to the gate drive circuit when a signal at the second input of the comparator is below the reference signal, where the turn-on signal causes the gate drive circuit to provide another turn-on signal to the gate of the switch causing the switch to conduct current.