Patent ID: 6111734
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
An apparatus for protecting an integrated circuit from an electrostatic discharge, the integrated circuit having a first interface point and a second interface point, the apparatus comprising:a first conductive path connected to the first interface point;a second conductive path connected to the second interface point:a discharging element connected to the first conductive path and the second conductive path;a first isolation structure disposed in the first conductive path, the first isolation structure for substantially channeling the electrostatic discharge through the discharge discharging element; anda second isolation structure disposed in the second conductive path, the second isolation structure for substantially inhibiting the electrostatic discharge from reaching the second interface point;wherein an electrostatic discharge received at the first conductive path is substantially directed to the discharging element by the first isolation structure and away from the first interface point of the integrated circuit, thereby protecting the integrated circuit from the electrostatic discharge.