Patent ID: 6587321
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
A method for redirecting electrostatic discharge (ESD) away from a main circuit coupled to a terminal pad, comprising the steps of:(1) receiving a terminal pad voltage; (2) applying said terminal pad voltage to a main circuit; (3) applying said terminal pad voltage to an ESD clamp circuit; (4) applying a reduced terminal pad voltage to an ESD trigger circuit; (5) triggering said ESD clamp circuit to direct said terminal pad voltage away from said main circuit when said reduced terminal pad voltage exceeds an ESD triggering threshold voltage; (6) applying said terminal pad voltage to a higher frequency bypass; and (7) triggering said ESD clamp circuit through said higher frequency bypass to direct said terminal pad voltage away from said main circuit when there is a higher frequency voltage increase on said terminal pad.