Patent ID: 7843008
Filing Date: 2010-11-30
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A semiconductor device with an electrostatic discharge protection element having first and second semiconductor regions, which are formed within a substrate area electrically isolated by non-conductive regions extending into the substrate, that form a first pn junction, said device comprising: a first metal layer formed above the electrostatic discharge protection element, the first metal layer being electrically connected to a pad at a position outside of the electrically isolated area; and a plurality of first contacts connecting the first semiconductor region and said first metal layer within the electrically isolated area; wherein said first metal layer and said first contacts are in a thermally non-floating state; said first metal layer has a first diffusion path whereby heat that has been conducted through at least one first contact among said plurality thereof is diffused simultaneously from a connection to said at least one first contact in a first direction in which the first pn junction extends and in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and said first diffusion path forms part of a path that conducts heat to the exterior of said semiconductor device.