Patent ID: 6768355
Filing Date: 2004-07-27
Classification: G11C,H02J,H03K

Abstract:
An apparatus for protecting a circuit from a transient event, comprising:a signal transfer circuit comprising a transistor having a first non-control terminal that is arranged to receive a supply signal, a control terminal that is coupled to ground, and a second non-control terminal that is arranged to output a first signal during normal operation to a pin of the circuit and to a charge storage circuit, wherein the circuit is powered by the first signal during normal operation, and comprising a second transistor arranged to prevent drain from the charge storage circuit through a body diode of the second transistor; the charge storage circuit arranged to receive the first signal during normal operation and output a second signal to provide power during the transient event to the pin of the circuit, the charge storage circuit storing enough charge to provide the second signal during the transient event, wherein the circuit is powered by the second signal during the transient event.