Patent ID: 6229181
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A semiconductor diode for protection against electrostatic discharge wherein the semiconductor diode is fabricated as part of a monolithic integrated circuit comprising, in combination:an N type semiconductor substrate;a P well cathode located within the N type semiconductor substrate;an N+ type anode region located within the P well cathode;an N+ type injector region located within the P well cathode and spaced apart from the N+ type anode region wherein the N+ type injector region begins to introduce minority carriers when the breakdown current increases;a P+ type ohmic contact region located within the P well cathode, the N+ type injector region and the P+ type ohmic contact region are adjacent and co-planar to each other;a first metal electrode electrically connected to the N+ type anode region: anda second metal electrode in electrical contact with both the N+ type injector region and the P+ type ohmic contact region.