Abstract:
A semiconductor component and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor component, wherein the semiconductor component includes one or more transient voltage suppression structures. In an embodiment, the semiconductor component may include an over-voltage detection circuit, an over-current detection circuit, an over-temperature detection circuit, an ESD protection circuit, or combinations of these circuits.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates, in general, to electronics and, more particularly, to semiconductor components and methods of forming semiconductor components. 
     High-Brightness Light Emitting Diodes (HB-LEDs) are increasingly being used in general lighting applications, consumer electronics, and automotive applications. Although these types of devices have a high growth potential, they have drawbacks that temper their many advantages. For example, they are vulnerable to damage by Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) events as well as voltage and current transients, e.g., over-voltage and over-current events, that may be present in a power supply terminal. In addition, the use of HB-LEDs in hostile environments such as in outdoor lighting fixtures and in automotive applications may subject these types of devices to high ambient temperatures capable of damaging them. 
     Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have methods and structures capable of protecting semiconductor components from damage from environmental and electrical stresses. It would be of further advantage for the method and structure to be cost efficient to implement. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference characters designate like elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram of a protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a block diagram of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a block diagram of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is an isometric view of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a block diagram of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a block diagram of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a block diagram of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 29  is a block diagram of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a block diagram of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 31  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 32  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 33  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 34  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 35  is a block diagram of protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 36  is a block diagram of a circuit module that includes a protection and color control circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 37  is a block diagram of a circuit module that includes a protection and color control circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 38  is a block diagram of a circuit module that includes a protection and color control circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 39  is a block diagram of a circuit module that includes a protection and color control circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 40  is an isometric, view of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 41  is an isometric view of a circuit module that includes a protection circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     For simplicity and clarity of the illustrations, elements in the figures are not necessarily to scale, and the same reference numbers in different figures denote the same elements. Additionally, descriptions and details of well-known steps and elements are omitted for simplicity of the description. As used herein current carrying electrode means an element of a device that carries current through the device such as a source or a drain of an MOS transistor or an emitter or a collector of a bipolar transistor or a cathode or anode of a diode, and a control electrode means an element of the device that controls current flow through the device such as a gate of an MOS transistor or a base of a bipolar transistor. Although the devices are explained herein as certain N-channel or P-Channel devices, or certain N-type of P-type doped regions, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that complementary devices are also possible in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the words during, while, and when as used herein are not exact terms that mean an action takes place instantly upon an initiating action but that there may be some small but reasonable delay, such as a propagation delay, between the reaction that is initiated by the initial action. The use of the word approximately or substantially means that a value of element has a parameter that is expected to be very close to a stated value or position. However, as is well known in the art there are always minor variances that prevent the values or positions from being exactly as stated. It is well established in the art that variances of up to about ten per cent (10%) (and up to twenty per cent (20%) for semiconductor doping concentrations) are regarded as reasonable variances from the ideal goal of exactly as described. For clarity of the drawings, doped regions of device structures are illustrated as having generally straight line edges and precise angular corners. However, those skilled in the art understand that due to the diffusion and activation of dopants the edges of doped regions generally may not be straight lines and the corners may not be precise angles. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a circuit module  10  that includes a protection circuit  12  coupled to a circuit element  14  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Protection circuit  12  is coupled in series between a circuit element  14  and a lower-voltage source of operating potential and therefore may be referred to as a low-side series configured protection circuit. By way of example, circuit element  14  is comprised of a string of series connected Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n , where “n” is an integer having a value equal to one or greater. Accordingly, the cathode of LED  14   1  is connected to the anode of LED  14   n . The cathode  15  of LED  14   n  is connected to an input  17  of protection circuit  12 . It should be noted that in embodiments in which “n” has a value of one, circuit element  14  is comprised of a single LED  14   1 . An output  19  of protection circuit  12  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V SS . Protection circuit  12  has an input  16  that is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V DD . In operation, the anode of LED  14   1 , like input  16  of protection circuit  12 , are coupled for receiving source of operating potential V DD . Alternatively, the anode of LED  14   1  and input  16  can be coupled to a drive circuit that provides a drive signal to LED  14   1  and an input signal for protection circuit  12 . Under normal operating conditions, protection circuit  12  functions as a short circuit such that cathode  15  of LED  14   n  is connected to operating potential V SS . By way of example, operating potential V SS  is a ground potential. In response to a stress, the electrical path between input  17  and output  19  is opened, which disconnects input  17 , and therefore cathode  15 , from output  19 . Opening the electrical path protects circuit element  14  from the stressor or stressful condition. 
     The stressful condition may be an over-voltage condition, an over-current condition, an over-temperature condition, and electrostatic discharge event, combinations thereof, or the like. For example, in embodiments in which the stress is an over-voltage, protection circuit  12  protects against the over-voltages and may be referred to as an over-voltage protection (OVP) circuit. If the voltage at the anode of LED  14   1 , and thus the voltage at input  16 , becomes greater than a predetermined reference voltage, protection circuit  12  opens the circuit connection between the cathode of LED  14   n  and source of operating potential V SS . By opening the circuit connection, OVP circuit  12  disconnects circuit element  14  from source of operating potential V SS  to substantially stop large currents from flowing through LED string  14 . This protects LED string  14  from damage caused by an over-voltage appearing at the anode of LED  14   1 . 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a module  20  that includes protection circuit  12  coupled in a low-side series connected configuration to circuit element  14 , and where circuit element  14  is comprised of a single LED  14   1 . More particularly, module  20  is comprised of a support  22  having surfaces  24  and  26  and leads  28  and  30 . By way of example, support  22  and leads  28  and  30  are square shaped electrically conductive plates where support  22  may be a leadframe flag and leads  28  and  30  may be leadframe leads. Suitable materials for electrically conductive plates include copper, aluminum, metals and metal alloys coated with a precious metal, tin, steel, alloys of copper, beryllium, gold, silver, alloys of aluminum, brass, alloys of brass, or the like. Alternatively, support  22  can be a printed circuit board, a ceramic substrate, a structure comprising a resin, such as epoxy, polyimide, triazine, or a phenolic resin, an epoxy-glass composite, or the like. Although support  22  and leads  28  and  30  have been described as square structures, this is not a limitation of the present invention. Support  22  and leads  28  and  30  may have a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, a pentagon shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or other polygonal shape. 
     LED  14 , and protection circuit  12  are mounted on support  22 . LED  14   1  and protection circuit  12  may be coupled to support  22  using a thermally conductive and electrically conductive die attach material, a thermally conductive and electrically nonconductive die attach material, or the like. LED  14   1  has bond pads  32  and  34  and protection circuit  12  has bond pads  36 ,  38 , and  40 . The anode of LED  14   1  is connected to bond pad  32  and the cathode of LED  14   1  is connected to bond pad  34 . Lead  28  is connected to bond pad  32  through a wire bond  42  and bond pad  34  is connected to bond pad  40  through a wire bond  44 . Input  16  of protection circuit  12  is connected to bond pad  36 , which bond pad  36  is connected to lead  28  through a wire bond  46 . Input  17  of protection circuit  12  is connected to bond pad  40 , which bond pad  40  is connected to bond pad  34  of LED  14   1  through a wire bond  44 . Output  19  of protection circuit  12  is connected to bond pad  38 , which bond pad  38  is connected to lead  30  through a wire bond  48 . Lead  28  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential such as, for example, potential V DD , and lead  30  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential such as, for example, V SS . In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, operating potential V DD  is substantially 3.5 volts and operating potential V SS  is substantially 0 volts. Although not shown, support  22 , LED  14   1 , protection circuit  12 , wire bonds  42 ,  44 ,  46 , and  48 , and leads  28  and  30  may be protected by an encapsulant capable of transmitting the light emitted by LED  14   1 . 
     Operating potentials V DD  and V SS  are selected so that a current flows through LED  14   1  causing it to emit light that is perceptible to the human eye. If the magnitude of the voltage at the anode of LED  14   1  and the magnitude of the voltage at input  16  becomes greater than the magnitude of a reference voltage, protection circuit  12  opens the circuit path so that cathode  15  of LED  14   1  is electrically disconnected from lead  30 . 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a module  20 A that includes protection circuit  12  coupled in a low-side series connected configuration to circuit element  14 , where circuit element  14  is comprised of LEDs  14   1 ,  14   2 ,  14   3 , and  14   4 , i.e., n is equal to four. Module  20 A is similar to module  20  except that it is comprised of a plurality of LEDs. Thus, module  20 A is comprised of a support  22  having surfaces  24  and  26  and leads  28  and  30  which have been described with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     LEDs  14   1 ,  14   2 ,  14   3 , and  14   4  and protection circuit  12  are mounted on Support  22 . LEDs  14   1 ,  14   2 ,  14   3 , and  14   4  and protection circuit  12  may be coupled to support  22  using a thermally conductive and electrically conductive die attach material, a thermally conductive and electrically nonconductive die attach material, or the like. LED  14   1  has bond pads  32  and  34 , LED  14   2  has bond pads  32 A and  34 A, LED  14   3  has bond pads  32 B and  34 B, LED  14   4  has bond pads  32 C and  34 C, and protection circuit  12  has bond pads  36 ,  38 , and  40 . The anode of LED  14   1  is connected to bond pad  32  and the cathode of LED  14   1  is connected to bond pad  34 . Similarly, the anodes of LEDs  14   2 ,  14   3 , and  14   4  are connected to bond pads  32 A,  32 B, and  32 C, respectively, and the cathodes of LEDs  14   2 ,  14   3 , and  14   4  are connected to bond pads  34 A,  34 B, and  34 C, respectively. Lead  28  is connected to bond pad  32  through a wire bond  42 , bond pad  34  is connected to bond pad  32 A through a wire bond  50 , bond pad  34 A is connected bond pad  32 B through a wire bond  52 , bond pad  34 B is connected to bond pad  32 C through wire bond  54 , and bond pad  34 C is connected to bond pad  40  through a wire bond  44 . Input  16  of protection circuit  12  is connected to bond pad  36 , which bond pad  36  is connected to lead  28  through a wire bond  46 . Input  17  of protection circuit  12  is connected to bond pad  40 , which bond pad  40  is connected to bond pad  34 C of LED  14   4  through a wire bond  44 . Output  19  of protection circuit  12  is connected to bond pad  38 , which bond pad  38  is connected to lead  30  through a wire bond  48 . Lead  28  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential such as, for example, potential V DD , and lead  30  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential such as, for example, V SS . In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, operating potential V DD  is substantially 14 volts and operating potential V SS  is substantially 0 volts. Although not shown, support  22 , LEDs  14   1 ,  14   2 ,  14   3 , and  14   4 , protection circuit  12 , wire bonds  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52 , and  54 , and leads  28  and  30  may be protected by an encapsulant capable of transmitting the light emitted by LEDs  14   1 ,  14   2 ,  14   3 , and  14   4 . 
     As discussed above, operating potentials V DD  and V SS  are selected so that a current flows through LEDs  14   1 ,  14   2 ,  14   3 , and  14   4  causing them to emit light that is perceptible to the human eye. If the magnitude of the voltage at the anode of LED  14   1  and input  16  becomes greater than the magnitude of a reference voltage, protection circuit  12  opens the circuit path so that the cathode of LED  14   4  is electrically disconnected from lead  30 . 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a circuit module  10 A that includes protection circuit  12  connected in a high-side series configuration and coupled to a circuit element  14  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Protection circuit  12  is referred to as being a high-side series configured because it is coupled in series between circuit element  14  and a higher-voltage source of operating potential. As discussed above, circuit element  14  may be comprised of a string of series connected LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n , where “n” is an integer having a value of one or greater and protection circuit  12  has inputs  16  and  17  and an output  19 . Input  16  is coupled for receiving lower-voltage source of operating potential V SS , input  17  is coupled for receiving higher-voltage source of operating potential V DD , and output  19  is connected to the anode of LED  14   1 . Alternatively, input  17  of protection circuit  12  can be coupled to a drive circuit that provides a drive signal to protection circuit  12 . Under normal operating conditions, protection circuit  12  functions as a short circuit such that source of operating potential V DD  is connected to the anode of LED  14   1  and input  16  is connected to source of operating potential V SS . By way of example, operating potential V SS  is a ground potential. In response to a stressor or stress event, the electrical path between input  17  and output  19  is opened, which disconnects input  17  from output  19 . Thus circuit element  14  is disconnected from source of operating potential V DD . Opening the electrical path protects circuit element  14  from the stressor or stressful condition. 
       FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a module  20 A that includes protection circuit  12  coupled in a high-side series connected configuration to circuit element  14 , where circuit element  14  is comprised of a single LED  14   1 . More particularly, module  20 A is comprised of a support  22  having surfaces  24  and  26  and leads  28  and  30 . Support  22  has been described with reference to  FIG. 2 . LED  14   1  and protection circuit  12  are mounted on support  22 . LED  14   1  and protection circuit  12  may be coupled to support  22  using a thermally conductive and electrically conductive die attach material, a thermally conductive and electrically nonconductive die attach material, or the like. LED  14   1  has bond pads  32  and  34  and protection circuit  12  has bond pads  36 ,  38 , and  40 . The anode of LED  14   1  is connected to bond pad  38 , and thus output  19  of protection circuit  12  through wire bond  44 A and the cathode of LED  14   1  is connected to lead  30  through bond pad  34   and  wire bond  48 A. Lead  28  is connected to bond pad  40  and thus to input  17  of protection circuit  12  through a wire bond  40 A. Input  16  of protection circuit  12  is connected to bond pad  36 , which bond pad  36  is connected to lead  30  through a wire bond  46 A. Lead  28  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential such as, for example, potential V DD , and lead  30  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential such as, for example, V SS . In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, operating potential V DD  is substantially 3.5 volts and operating potential V SS  is substantially 0 volts. Although not shown, support  22 , LED  14   1 , protection circuit  12 , wire bonds  40 A,  44 A,  46 A, and  48 A, and leads  28  and  30  may be protected by an encapsulant capable of transmitting the light emitted by LED  14   1 . 
     Operating potentials V DD  and V SS  are selected so that a current flows through LED  14   1  causing it to emit light that is perceptible to the human eye. If the magnitude of the voltage at input  17  becomes greater than the magnitude of a reference voltage, protection circuit  12  opens the circuit so that the anode of LED  14   1  is electrically disconnected from lead  28 . 
       FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a module  20 B that includes protection circuit  12  coupled in a high-side series connected configuration to circuit element  14 , where circuit element  14  is comprised of LEDs  14   1 ,  14   2 ,  14   3 , and  14   4 , i.e., n is equal to four. Module  20 B is similar to module  20 A except that it is comprised of a plurality of LEDs. Thus, module  20 B is comprised of a support  22  having surfaces  24  and  26  and leads  28  and  30  which have been described with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     LEDs  14   1 ,  14   2 ,  14   3 , and  14   4  and protection circuit  12  are mounted on support  22 . LEDs  14   1 ,  14   2 ,  14   3 , and  14   4  and protection circuit  12  may be coupled to support  22  using a thermally conductive and electrically conductive die attach material, a thermally conductive and electrically nonconductive die attach material, or the like. LED  14   1  has bond pads  32  and  34 , LED  14   2  has bond pads  32 A and  34 A, LED  14   3  has bond pads  32 B and  34 B, LED  14   4  has bond pads  32 C and  34 C, and protection circuit  12  has bond pads  36 ,  38 , and  40 . 
     The anode of LED  14   1  is connected to bond pad  32 , which is connected to bond pad  38 , and thus output  19 , of protection circuit  12  through wire bond  44 A and the cathode of LED  14   4  is connected to lead  30  through bond pad  34 C and wire bond  48 A. Lead  28  is connected to bond pad  40 , and thus input  17 , of protection circuit  12  through a wire bond  40 A. Input  16  of protection circuit  12  is connected to bond pad  36 , which bond pad  36  is connected to lead  30  through a wire bond  46 A, The cathode of LED  14   1  is connected to bond pad  34  which is connected the anode of LED  14   2  through a wire bond  54 A and bond pad  32 A. The cathode of LED  14 , is connected to bond pad  34 A which is connected to the anode of LED  14   3  through a wire bond  52 A and bond pad  32 B. The cathode of LED  14   3  is connected to bond pad  34 B which is connected the anode of LED  14   4  through a wire bond  50 A and bond pad  32 C. Lead  28  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential such as, for example, potential V DD , and lead  30  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential such as, for example, V SS . In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, operating potential V DD  is substantially  14  volts and operating potential V SS  is substantially 0 volts. Although not shown, support  22 , LEDs  14   1 ,  14   2 ,  14   3 , and  14   4 , protection circuit  12 , wire bonds  40 A,  44 A,  46 A,  48 A,  50 A,  52 A,  54 A, and leads  28  and  30  may be protected by an encapsulant capable of transmitting the light emitted by LEDS  14   1 ,  14   2 ,  14   3 , and  14   4 . 
     As discussed above, operating potentials V DD  and V SS  are selected so that a current flows through LEDs  14   1 ,  14   2 ,  14   3 , and  14   4  causing them to emit light that is perceptible to the human eye. If the magnitude of the voltage at input  17  becomes greater than the magnitude of a reference voltage, protection circuit  12  opens the circuit so that the anode of LED  14   4  is electrically disconnected from lead  28 . 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram of protection circuit  12 A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “A” has been appended to reference character “ 12 ” to distinguish protection circuit  12 A from protection circuit  12  because protection circuit  12 A may include different or additional features than protection circuit  12 . Protection circuit  12 A includes an over-voltage detection circuit or stage  60  and is referred to as an OVP circuit. What is shown in  FIG. 7  is protection circuit  12 A having inputs  16  and  17  and output  19 . Protection circuit  12 A includes an over-voltage detection stage  60  having an input connected to input  16  and an output connected to an input of a control circuit  62 . Over-voltage detection circuit  60  may be implemented as a resistor voltage divider network coupled between node  16  and node  19  and a comparator having a pair of inputs. The center tap of the resistor voltage divider network may be connected a first input of the comparator and a reference voltage may be connected to the second input of the comparator. An output of control circuit  62  is connected to a control terminal of an output driver  64 . Output driver  64  has a terminal connected to input  17  and a terminal connected to output  19 . In response to the magnitude of the voltage appearing at input  16  exceeding a reference value, over-voltage detection circuit  60  generates an input signal to control circuit  62  that causes control circuit  62  to generate a control signal. In response to the control signal, output driver  64  opens the path between input  17  and output  19 . Opening this path disconnects LED  14   1  or LEDS  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  which reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDS  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to zero or substantially zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 A reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit, the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . It should be noted that protection circuit  12 A may re-establish a connection from input  17  to output  19  in response to a stress being removed, i.e., the voltage decreases back to its nominal value. 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram of a protection circuit  12 B in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “B” has been appended to reference character “ 12 ” to distinguish protection circuit  12 B from protection circuits  12  and  12 A because protection circuit  12 B may include different or additional features than protection circuits  12  and  12 A. More particularly, protection circuit  12 B includes an Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protection circuit  66  coupled between inputs  16  and  17  and an ESD protection circuit  68  coupled between input  16  and output  19 . Thus, an ESD event occurring at inputs  16  or  17  activates ESD protection circuit  66  or ESD protection circuit  68  or both. Activation of ESD protection circuit  66  shorts the current path between inputs  16  and  17  and activation of ESD protection circuit  68  shorts the current path between input  16  and output  19 . 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram of a protection circuit  12 C in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “C” has been appended to reference character “ 12 ” to distinguish protection circuit  12 C from protection circuits  12 - 12 B because protection circuit  12 C may include different or additional features than protection circuits  12 - 12 B. More particularly, protection circuit  12 C includes an over-temperature detection circuit  70  coupled to control circuit  62  rather than over-voltage detection circuit  60 , i.e., over-voltage detection circuit  60  is absent from protection circuit  12 C. Over-temperature detection circuit  70  may be implemented as a temperature-dependent voltage (such as the voltage across a silicon junction biased with a substantially constant current or the voltage across a temperature-dependent resistor biased with a substantially constant current). Like protection circuit  12 B, protection circuit  12 C includes an ESD protection circuit  66  coupled between inputs  16  and  17  and an ESD protection circuit  68  coupled between input  16  and output  19 , a control circuit  62 , and an output driver circuit  64 . In response to the magnitude of the ambient temperature being greater than the magnitude of a reference temperature, over-temperature detection circuit generates a control signal that is transmitted to control circuit  62 , which generates a control signal that is transmitted to output driver  64 . In response to the control signal from control circuit  62 , output driver  64 , opens the circuit path between input terminal  17  and output terminal  19 . in response to an ESD event occurring at inputs  16  or  17 , ESD protection circuit  66  or ESD protection circuit  68  or both are activated. Activation of ESD protection circuit  66  shorts the current path between inputs  16  and  17  and activation, of ESD protection circuit  68  shorts the current path between input  16  and output  19 . 
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram of a protection circuit  12 D in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “D” has been appended to reference character “ 12 ” to distinguish protection. circuit  12 D from protection circuits  12 - 12 C because protection circuit  12 D may include different or additional features than protection circuits  12 - 12 C. Protection circuit  12 D includes an over-current detection stage or circuit  65  having an input connected to input  17 , an output connected to input of control circuit  62 A, and another output connected to an input of output driver circuit  64 A. Over-current detection circuit may be implemented as a sense resistor coupled to an amplifier, or a sense resistor coupled to a first input of a comparator circuit, and a second input of said comparator connected to a reference voltage source. Alternatively, the current sensor can be implemented as a voltage across a sense MOSFET, which shares a gate or a source (for high-side or low-side configurations, respectively) with the main MOSFET in the driver circuit. An output of control circuit  62 A is connected to another input of output driver  64 A. An optional ESD protection circuit  66  may be coupled between inputs  16  and  17  and an optional ESD protection circuit  68  may be coupled between input  16  and output  19 . In response to an ESD event occurring at inputs  16  or  17 , ESD protection circuit  66  or ESD protection circuit  68  or both are activated. In response to an over-current stress condition, over-current detection circuit  65  generates a control signal that is transmitted to the input of control circuit  62 A, which generates a control signal that causes output driver  64 A to open the electrical path between input  17  and output  19 . Opening this path disconnects LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  which reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to zero or substantially zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 D reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . 
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram of a protection circuit  12 E in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “E” has been appended to reference character “ 12 ” to distinguish protection circuit  12 E from protection circuits  12 - 12 D because protection circuit  12 E may include different or additional features than protection circuits  12 - 12   a  Protection circuit  12 E includes an over-voltage detection stage or circuit  60  and an over-temperature detection stage or circuit  70 . Over-voltage detection stage  60  and over-temperature detection stage  70  each have an output connected to corresponding inputs of control circuit  62 A, which has an output connected to an input of output driver  64 . Like protection circuits  12 B- 12 D, protection circuit  12 E includes optional ESD protection circuit  66  coupled between inputs  16  and  17  and an optional ESD protection circuit  68  coupled between input  16  and output  19 . It should be noted that protection circuit  12 E may re-establish a connection from input  17  to output  19  in response to a stress being removed, i.e., the voltage decreases back to its nominal value. 
     In operation, an over-voltage condition at input  16 , an over-temperature condition, or both generate control signals at corresponding outputs, The control signals are used by control circuit  62 A to generate a control signal to which output driver  64 A responds by opening the electrical path between input  17  and output  19 . Opening this path disconnects LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  resulting in reducing the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to be substantially zero or to be zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 E reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . 
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram of a protection circuit  12 F in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “F” has been appended to reference character “ 12 ” to distinguish protection circuit  12 F from protection circuits  12 - 12 E because protection circuit  12 F may include different or additional features than protection circuits  12 - 12 E. Protection circuit  12 F includes an over-voltage detection circuit  60  having an input connected to input  16  and an output connected to an input of a control circuit  62 A. Control circuit  62 A has an output connected to an input of an output driver circuit  64 A. In addition, protection circuit  12 F includes an over-current detection stage or circuit having an input connected to input  17 , an output connected to another input of control circuit  62 A and another output connected to another input of output driver circuit  64 A. An optional ESD protection circuit  66  may be coupled between inputs  16  and  17  and an optional ESD protection circuit  68  may be coupled between input  16  and output  17 . In response to a stress condition, one or both of over-voltage detection circuit and over-current detection circuit  65  generate a control signal for control circuit  62 A. Over-voltage detection circuit  60  generates an input signal to control circuit  62 A in response to the magnitude of the voltage appearing at input  16  exceeding a reference value, and over-current detection circuit  65  generates an input signal to control circuit  62 A in response to the magnitude of the current flowing from input  17  exceeding the magnitude of a reference current level. In response to one or both of the control signals from over-voltage detection circuit  60  or over-current detection circuit  65 , control circuit  62 A generates a control signal that causes output driver  64 A to open the electrical path between input  17  and output  19 . Opening this path disconnects LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  resulting in reducing the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to be substantially zero or to be zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 F reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a protection circuit  12 G in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “G” has been appended to reference character “ 12 ” to distinguish protection circuit  12 G from protection circuits  12 - 12 F because protection circuit  12 G may include different or additional features than protection circuits  12 - 12 F. Protection circuit  12 G includes an over-current detection stage or circuit  65  having an input connected to input  17 , an output connected to another input of control circuit  62 A and another output connected to an input of output driver circuit  64 A and an over-temperature detection circuit  70  having an output connected to another input of control circuit  62 A. An optional ESD protection circuit  66  may be coupled between inputs  16  and  17  and an optional ESD protection circuit  68  may be coupled between. input  16  and output  17 . In response to a stress condition, one or both of over-current detection circuit  65  or over-temperature detection circuit  70  generates a control signal for control circuit  62 A, Over-current detection circuit  65  generates an input signal to control circuit  62 A in response to the magnitude of the current flowing from input  17  exceeding the magnitude of a reference current level and over-temperature detection circuit  70  generates an input signal to control circuit  62 A in response to the magnitude of the temperature exceeding the magnitude of a reference temperature. In response to at least one of the control signals from over-current detection circuit  65  or over-temperature detection circuit  70 , control circuit  62 A generates a control signal that causes output driver  64 A to open the path between input  17  and output  19 . Opening this path disconnects LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  resulting in reducing the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to be substantially zero or to be zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 G reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . 
       FIG. 14  is a block diagram of a protection circuit  12 H in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “H” has been appended to reference character “ 12 ” to distinguish protection circuit  12 H from protection circuits  12 - 12 G because protection circuit  12 H may include different or additional features than protection circuits  12 - 12 G. Protection circuit  12 H includes an over-voltage detection circuit  60  having an input connected to input  16  and an output connected to an input of a control circuit  62 B. Control circuit  62 B has an output connected to an input of an output driver circuit  64 A. In addition, protection circuit  12 H includes an over-current detection stage or circuit  65  having an input connected to input  17 , an output connected to another input of control circuit  62 B and another output connected to another input of output driver circuit  64 A and an over-temperature detection circuit  70  having an output connected to another input of control circuit  62 B. An optional ESD protection circuit  66  may be coupled between inputs  16  and  17  and an optional ESD protection circuit  68  may be coupled between input  16  and output  17 . In response to a stress condition, one or more of over-voltage detection circuit  60 , over-current detection circuit  65 , or over-temperature detection circuit  70  generates a control signal for control circuit  62 B. Over-voltage detection circuit  60  generates an input signal to control circuit  62 B in response to the magnitude of the voltage appearing at input  16  exceeding a reference value, over-current detection circuit  65  generates an input signal to control circuit  62 B in response to the magnitude of the current flowing from input  17  exceeding the magnitude of a reference current level, and over-temperature detection circuit  70  generates an input signal to control circuit  62 B in response to the magnitude of the temperature exceeding the magnitude of a reference temperature. In response to at least one of the control signals from over-voltage detection circuit  60 , over-current detection circuit  65 , or over-temperature detection circuit  70 , control circuit  62 A generates a control signal that causes output driver MA to open the path between input  17  and output  19 . Opening this path disconnects LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  resulting in reducing the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to be substantially zero or to be zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 H reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . 
       FIG. 15  is a block diagram of a circuit module  10 A that includes a protection circuit  12  coupled to circuit elements  14 A and  14 B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Protection circuit  12  is coupled in series between a circuit element  14 A and a lower-voltage source of operating potential and between a circuit element  14 B and the lower voltage source of operating potential. Because of the locations of the connections of circuit elements  14 A and  14 B, circuit module  10 A may be referred to as a low-side series configured protection circuit. By way of example, circuit element  14 A is comprised of a string of series connected LEDs  14 A 1 , . . . ,  14 A n , where “n” is an integer having a value equal to one or greater and a string of series connected LEDs  14 B 1 , . . . ,  14 B k , where “k” is an integer having a value equal to one or greater. It should be noted that integers “n” and “k” may have the same value or they may have different values. When integers “n” and “k” have the same values, the strings of series connected LEDs have the same number of LEDs. When integers “n” and “k” have different values, the string of series connected LEDs  14 A 1 , . . . ,  14 A n  has a different number of LEDs than the string of series connected LEDs  14 B 1 , . . . ,  14 B k . The cathode of LED  14 A 1  is connected to the anode of LED  14 A n  and the cathode of LED  14 B 1  is connected to the anode of LED  14 B n . The cathode  15  of LED  14 A n  is connected to an input  17  of protection circuit  12  and the cathode  15 A of LED  14 B n  is connected to an input  17 A of protection circuit  12 . It should be noted that in embodiments in which “n” has a value of one, circuit element  14 A is comprised of a single LED  14 A 1  and in embodiments in which “k” has a value of one, circuit element  14 B is comprised of a single LED  14 B 1 . An output  19  of protection circuit  12  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V SS , Protection circuit  12  has an input  16  that is connected to the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1 . In operation, the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1  and input  16  of protection circuit  12  are coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V DD . Alternatively, the anode of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1  and input  16  can be coupled to a drive circuit that provides a drive signal to LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1  and an input signal for protection circuit  12 . Under normal operating conditions, protection circuit  12  functions as a short circuit such that cathode  15  of LEDs  14 A n  and  14 B k  are connected to operating potential V SS . By way of example, operating potential V SS  is a ground potential. In response to a stress, the electrical path between input  17  and output  19  is opened, which disconnects inputs  17  and  17 A, and therefore cathodes  15  and  15 A, from output  19 . Opening the electrical path protects circuit elements  14 A and  14 B from the stressor or stressful condition. 
     The stressful condition may be an over-voltage condition, an over-current condition, an over-temperature condition, combinations thereof, or the like, For example, in embodiments in which the stress is an over-voltage, protection circuit  12  protects against the over-voltages and may be referred to as an over-voltage protection (OVP) circuit. If the voltage at the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1 , and thus the voltage at input  16 , becomes greater than a predetermined reference voltage, protection circuit  12  opens the circuit connection between the cathodes of LEDs  14 A n  and  14 B k  and source of operating potential V SS . By opening the circuit connection, OVP circuit  12  disconnects circuit elements  14 A and  14 B from source of operating potential V SS  to substantially stop large currents from flowing through LED strings  14 A and  14 B. This protects LED strings  14 A and  14 B from damage caused by an over-voltage appearing at the anodes of LED  14 A 1  and  14 B 1 . 
       FIG. 16  is a block diagram of a circuit module  10 B that includes Protection circuit  12  connected in a high-side series configuration and coupled to circuit elements  14 A and  14 B in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Protection circuit  12  is referred to as being a high-side series configured because it is coupled in series between circuit elements  14 A and  14 B and a higher-voltage source of operating potential. As discussed above, circuit element  14 A may be comprised of a string of series connected LEDs  14 A 1 , . . . ,  14 A n , where “n” is an integer having a value of one or greater and circuit element  14 B may be comprised of a string of series connected LEDs  14 B 1 , . . . ,  14 B k , where “k” is an integer having a value of one or greater. It should be noted that integers “n” and “k” may have the same value or they may have different values. When integers “n” and “k” have the same values, the strings of series connected LEDs have the same number of LEDs. When integers “n”and “k” have different values, the string of series connected LEDs  14 A 1 , . . . ,  14 A n  has a different number of LEDs than the string of series connected LEDs  14 B 1 , . . . ,  14 B k . Protection circuit  12  has inputs  16  and  17  and an outputs  19 A and  19 B. Input  16  is coupled for receiving lower-voltage source of operating potential V SS , input  17  is coupled for receiving higher-voltage source of operating potential V DD , and outputs  19 A and  19 B are connected to the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1 respectively. Alternatively, input  17  of protection circuit  12  can be coupled to a drive circuit that provides a drive signal to protection circuit  12 . Under normal operating conditions, protection circuit  12  functions as a short circuit such that source of operating potential V DD  is connected to the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1  and input  16  is connected to source of operating potential V SS . By way of example, operating potential V SS  is a ground potential. In response to a stress, the electrical path between input  17  and output  19 A and  19 B are opened, which disconnects input  17  from output  19 A and  19 B. Thus circuit elements  14 A and  14 B are disconnected from source of operating potential V DD . Opening the electrical path protects circuit elements  14 A and  14 B from the stressor or stressful condition. As discussed above, the stressful condition may be an over-voltage condition, an over-current condition, an over-temperature condition, combinations thereof, or the like. 
       FIG. 17  is a block diagram of a circuit module  100  that includes a protection circuit  102  coupled in a shunt configuration to a circuit element  14  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, circuit element  14  is comprised of a string of series connected LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n , where “n” is an integer having a value of one or greater. When “n” has a value of one, circuit element  14  is comprised of a single LED  14   1 . In operation, an anode of LED  14   1  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V DD . Alternatively, the anode of LED  14   1  can be coupled to a drive circuit that provides a drive signal to LED  14   1 . The cathode of LED  14   n  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V SS . By way of example, operating potential V SS  is a ground potential. Shunt configured protection device  102  includes an input  104  connected to the anode of LED  14   1  and an output  106  connected to the cathode of LED  14   n . Under normal operating conditions, shunt protection device  102  functions as an open circuit such that current flows through LEDs  14   1 - 14   n , but does not flow through shunt protection device  102 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment in which shunt protection circuit  102  protects against over voltages, shunt configured protection circuit  102  is referred to as an over-voltage protection (OVP) circuit. OVP circuit  102  includes an input  104  and an output  106 . Input  104  is connected to the anode of LED  14   1  for monitoring the voltage at the anode of LED  14   1 . If the voltage at the anode of LED  14   1 , and thus the voltage at input  104 , becomes greater than a predetermined reference voltage, OVP circuit  102  closes the circuit connection between the source of operating potential V DD  and the source of operating potential V SS . By closing the circuit connection, OVP circuit  102  shunts diode string  14  from source of operating potential V DD  to substantially stop large currents from flowing through LED string  14 . This protects LED string  14  from damage caused by an overvoltage appearing at the anode of LED  14   1 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an isometric view of a module  110  that includes shunt configured protection circuit  102  coupled to circuit element  14 , where circuit element  14  is comprised of a single LED  14   1 . More particularly, module  110  is comprised of a support  22  having surfaces  24  and  26  and leads  28  and  30 , which have been described with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     LED  14   1  and a protection circuit  102  are mounted on support  22 . LED  14   1  and protection circuit  102  may be coupled to support  22  using a thermally conductive and electrically conductive die attach material, a thermally conductive and electrically nonconductive die attach material, or the like. LED  14   1  has bond pads  32  and  34  and protection circuit  102  has bond pads  106  and  108 . The anode of LED  14   1  is connected to bond pad  32  and the cathode of LED  14   4  is connected to bond pad  34 . Lead  28  is connected to bond pad  32  through a wire bond  112  and bond pad  34  is connected lead  30  through a wire bond  114 . Bond pad  106  of protection circuit  102  is connected to lead  28  via a bond wire  116 . Bond pad  108  is connected to lead  30  through a wire bond  118 . Lead  28  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential such as, for example, potential V DD , and lead  30  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential such as, for example, V SS . In accordance with embodiments, operating potential V DD  is substantially 3.5 volts and operating potential V SS  is substantially 0 volts. Although not shown, support  22 . LED  14   1 , protection circuit  102 , wire bonds  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118 , and leads  28  and  30  may be protected by an encapsulant capable of transmitting the light emitted by LED  14   1 . 
       FIG. 19  is a block diagram of protection circuit  102 A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “A” has been appended to reference character “ 102 ” to distinguish protection circuit  102 A from protection circuit  102  because protection circuit  102 A may include different or additional features than protection circuit  102 . Protection circuit  102 A provides over-temperature protection and is referred to as an OTP circuit. What is shown in  FIG. 19  is protection circuit  102 A having an input  104  and an output  106 . An optional ESD protection circuit  68  may be coupled between input  104  and output  106 . 
     Protection circuit  102 A includes an over-temperature detection stage  70  having an output connected to an input of a control circuit  62 . An output of control circuit  62  is connected to a. control terminal of an output driver  64 . Output driver  64  has a terminal connected to input  104  and a terminal connected to output  106 . in response to the magnitude of the temperature exceeding a reference value, over-temperature detection circuit  70  generates an input signal to control circuit  62  that causes control circuit  62  to generate a control signal which in turn causes output driver  64  to close the path between input  104  and output  106 . Closing this path shunts current from LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS , which results in reducing the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to be substantially zero or to be zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  102 A reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . 
       FIG. 20  is a block diagram of protection circuit  102 B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “B” has been appended to reference character “ 102 ” to distinguish protection circuit  102 B from protection circuit  102 A because protection circuit  102 B may include different or additional features than protection circuits  102  and  102 A. Protection circuit  102 B provides over-voltage detection circuit and is referred to as an OVP circuit. What is shown in  FIG. 20  is protection circuit  102 B having an input  104  and an output  106 . Protection circuit  102 B includes an over-voltage detection stage  60  having an input connected to input  104  and an output connected to an input of a control circuit  62 . Over-voltage detection circuit  60  may be implemented as a resistor voltage divider network coupled between the node  104  and the node  106  and a comparator having a pair of inputs. The center tap of the resistor voltage divider network may be connected a first input of the comparator and a reference voltage may be connected to the second input of the comparator. Optionally, and ESD protection circuit  68  may be coupled between terminals  104  and  106 . An output of control circuit  62  is connected to a control terminal of an output driver  64 . Output driver  64  has a terminal connected to input  104  and a terminal connected to output  106 . In response to the magnitude of the voltage appearing at input  104  exceeding the magnitude of a reference value, over-voltage detection circuit  60  generates an input signal to control circuit  62  which responds by generating a control signal for output driver  64 . In response to the control signal, output driver  64  closes the path between input  104  and output  106 . Closing this path shunts current from LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  which results in reducing the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to be substantially zero or to be zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  102 A reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . 
       FIG. 21  is a block diagram of a protection circuit  102 C in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “C” has been appended to reference character “ 102 ” to distinguish protection circuit  102 C from protection circuits  102 - 102 B because protection circuit  102 C may include different or additional features than protection circuits  102 - 102 B. In addition to over-voltage detection stage or circuit  60 , protection circuit  102 C includes an over-temperature detection circuit  70  having an output connected to another input of control circuit  62 A and an output connected to an output driver  64 . Like protection circuit  102 B, protection circuit  102 C may include an optional ESD protection circuit  68  coupled between input  104  and output  106 . 
       FIG. 22  is a block diagram of a circuit module  100 A that includes a Protection circuit  102  coupled in a shunt configuration to a circuit element  14  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, circuit element  14 A is comprised, of a string of series connected LEDs  14 A 1 , . . . ,  14 A n , where “n” is an integer having a value equal to one or greater and a string of series connected LEDs  14 B 1 , . . . ,  14 B k , where “k” is an integer having a value equal to one or greater. It should be noted that integers “n” and “k” may have the same value or they may have different values. When integers “n” and “k” have the same values, the strings of series connected LEDs have the same number of LEDs. When integers “n” and “k” have different values, the string of series connected LEDs  14 A 1 , . . . ,  14 A n  has a different number of LEDs than the string of series connected LEDs  14 B 1 , . . .,  14 B k . In operation, the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1  are coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V DD . Alternatively, the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1  can be coupled to a drive, circuit that provides drive signals to LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1 . The cathodes of LEDs  14 A n  and  14 B k  are coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V SS . By way of example, operating potential V SS  is a ground potential. Shunt configured protection device  102  includes an input  104  connected to the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1  and an output  106  connected to the cathodes of LEDs  14 A n  and  14 B k . Under normal operating conditions, shunt protection device  102  functions as an open circuit such that current flows through LEDs  14 A 1 - 14 A n , and LEDs  14 B 1 - 14 B k , but does not flow through shunt protection device  102 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment in which shunt protection circuit  102  protects against over voltages, shunt configured protection circuit  102  is referred to as an over-voltage protection (OVP) circuit. OVP circuit  102  includes an input  104  and an output  106 . Input  104  is connected to the anodes of LED  14 A 1  and  14 B 1  for monitoring the voltage at the anodes of LED  14 A 1  and  14 B 1 . If the voltage at the anodes of LED  14 A 1  and  14 B 1 , and thus the voltage at input  104 , becomes greater than a predetermined reference voltage, OVP circuit  102  closes the circuit connection between the source of operating potential V DD  and the source of operating potential V SS . By closing the circuit connection, OVP circuit  102  shunts diode strings  14 A and  14 B from source of operating potential V DD  to substantially stop large currents from flowing through LED strings  14 A 1 , . . . , A n  and  14 B 1  and  14 B k . This protects LED strings  14 A 1 , . . . , A n  and  14 B 1 , . . . ,  14 B k  from damage caused by an overvoltage appearing at the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1 . 
       FIG. 23  is a block diagram of a circuit module  150  that includes a protection circuit  152  coupled in a series-shunt configuration to a circuit element  14  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, Protection, circuit  152  is coupled between a circuit element  14  and a lower-voltage source of operating potential and therefore may be referred to as a low-side series-shunt configured protection circuit. Circuit element  14  has been described with reference to  FIG. 1 . The cathode  15  of LED  14   n  is connected to an input  154  of protection circuit  152 . It should be noted that in embodiments in which “n” has a value of one, circuit element  14  is comprised of a single LED  14   1 . An output  158  of protection circuit  152  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V SS . Protection circuit  152  has an input  156  that is connected to the anode of LED  14   1 . In operation, the anode of LED  14   1  and input  156  of protection circuit  12  are coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V DD . Alternatively, the anode of LED  14   1  and input  156  can be coupled to a drive circuit that provides a drive signal to LED  14   1  and an input signal for protection circuit  152 . Under normal operating conditions, the series portion of protection circuit  152  functions as a short circuit and the shunt portion functions as an open circuit such that cathode  15  of LED  14   n  is connected to operating potential V SS . By way of example, operating potential V SS  is a ground potential. In response to a stress, the electrical path between input  154  and output  158  is opened, which disconnects input  154 , and therefore cathode  15 , from output  158 . Opening the electrical path protects circuit element  14  from the stressor or stressful condition. Additionally, the electrical path between input  156  and output  158  is closed I response to a stress, which further helps protect circuit element  14  from the stressor or stressful condition. 
     As discussed above, the stressful condition may be an over-voltage condition, an over-current condition, an over-temperature condition, combinations thereof, or the like. For example, in embodiments in which the stress is an over-voltage, protection circuit  12  protects against the over-voltages and may be referred to as an over-voltage protection (OVP) circuit. If the voltage at the anode of LED  14   1 , and thus the voltage at input  156 , becomes greater than a predetermined reference voltage, protection circuit  152  opens the circuit connection between the cathode of LED  14   n  and source of operating potential V SS , and closes the circuit connection between input  156  and the source of operating potential V SS . By opening the circuit connection, OVP circuit  152  disconnects circuit element  14  from source of operating potential V SS  to substantially stop large currents from flowing through LED string  14 . This protects LED string  14  from damage caused by an over-voltage appearing at the anode of LED  14   1 . 
       FIG. 24  is a block diagram of a circuit module  170  that includes a protection circuit  152  coupled in a series-shunt configuration to a circuit element  14  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Protection circuit  152  is coupled between a circuit element  14  and upper-voltage source of operating potential and therefore may be referred to as a high-side series-shunt configured protection circuit. Circuit element  14  has been described with reference to  FIG. 1 . The anode of LED  14   1  is connected to output  158  of series-shunt configured protection circuit  152  and the cathode  15  of LED  14   n  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V SS . It should be noted that in embodiments in which “n” has a value of one, circuit element  14  is comprised of a single LED  14   1 . Input  156  of protection circuit  152  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V SS . In operation, input  154  of series-shunt protection circuit  152  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V DD . Alternatively, input  154  can be coupled to a drive circuit that provides a drive signal to LED  14   1  and an input signal for protection circuit  152 . Under normal operating conditions, the series portion of protection circuit  152  functions as a short circuit and the shunt portion functions as an open circuit such that the anode of LED  14   1  is coupled to source of operating potential V DD . By way of example, operating potential V DD  is a 3.5 volts. In response to a stress, the electrical path between input  154  and output  158  is opened, which disconnects input  154 , and therefore circuit element  152  from source of operating potential V DD . Additionally, the electrical path between input  154  and input  156  is closed in response to a stress. Opening the electrical path protects circuit element  14  from the stressor or stressful condition. 
       FIG. 25  is a block diagram of protection circuit  152 A in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “A” has been appended to reference character “ 152 ” to distinguish protection circuit  152 A from protection circuit  152  because protection circuit  152 A may include different or additional features than protection circuit  152 . Protection circuit  152 A provides over-temperature detection circuit and may be referred to as an OTP circuit. What is shown in  FIG. 25  is protection circuit  152 A having inputs  154  and  156  and an output  158 . An optional ESD protection circuit  66  may be coupled between inputs  156  and  154  and an optional ESD protection circuit  68  may be coupled between input  156  and output  158 . 
     Protection circuit  152 A includes an over-temperature detection stage  70  having an output connected to an input of a control circuit  160 . An output of control circuit  160  is connected to a control terminal of a shunt driver circuit  162  and another output of control circuit  160  is connected to a series driver circuit  164 . Shunt driver circuit  162  has an input connected to input  156  and an output connected to output  158 . Series driver circuit  164  has an input connected to input  154  and an output connected to output  158 . In response to the magnitude of the temperature exceeding a reference value, over-temperature detection circuit  70  generates an input signal to control circuit  160 , which generates control signals for shunt driver circuit  162  and series driver circuit  164 . In response to the control signal shunt driver circuit  162  closes or shorts the electrical path from input  156  to output  158  and series driver circuit opens the electrical path from input  154  to output  158 . Shorting the electrical path from input  156  to output  158  shunts the stress condition away from LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . Opening the path from input  154  to output  158  disconnects LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from output  158  which reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to substantially zero or e zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  152 A reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit, the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . 
       FIG. 26  is a block, diagram of protection circuit  152 B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “B” has been appended to reference character “ 152 ” to distinguish protection circuit  152 B from protection circuits  152  and  152 A because protection circuit  152 B may include different or additional features than protection circuits  152  and  152 A. Protection circuit  152 B provides over-voltage detection circuit and is referred to as an OVP circuit. What is shown in  FIG. 26  is protection circuit  152 B having inputs  156  and  154  and output  158 . Protection circuit  152 B includes an over-voltage detection stage  60  having an input connected to input  156  and an output connected to an input of a control circuit  160 . Over-voltage detection circuit  60  may be implemented as a resistor voltage divider network coupled between the node  156  and the node  158  and a comparator having a pair of inputs. The center tap of the resistor voltage divider network may be connected a first input of the comparator and a reference voltage may be connected to the second input of the comparator. An output of control circuit  160  is connected to a control terminal of a shunt driver circuit  162  and another output of control circuit  160  is connected to a series driver circuit  164 . Shunt driver circuit  162  has an input connected to input  156  and an output connected to output  158 . Series driver circuit  164  has an input connected to input  154  and an output connected to output  158 . In response to the magnitude of the voltage exceeding a reference value, over-voltage detection circuit  60  generates an input signal to control circuit  160 , which generates control signals for shunt driver circuit  162  and series driver circuit  164 . In response to the control signal shunt driver circuit  162  closes or shorts the electrical path from input  156  to output  158  and series driver circuit opens the electrical path from input  154  to output  158 . Shorting the electrical path from input  156  to output  158  shunts the stress condition away from LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . Opening the path from input  154  to output  158  disconnects LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from output  158  which reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to substantially zero or e zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  152 B reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . 
     An optional ESD protection circuit  66  may be coupled between inputs  156  and  154  and an ESD protection circuit  68  may be coupled between input  156  and output  158 . Thus, an ESD event occurring at inputs  156  or  154  activates ESD protection, circuit  66  or ESD protection circuit  68  or both. 
       FIG. 27  is a block diagram of a protection circuit  152 C in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “C” has been appended to reference character “ 152 ” to distinguish protection circuit  152 C from protection circuits  152 - 152 B because protection circuit  152 C may include different or additional features than protection circuits  152 - 152 B. in addition to over-voltage detection stage or circuit  60  shown in  FIG. 26 , protection circuit  152 C includes an over-temperature detection circuit  70  having an output connected to another input of control circuit  160 A. Like protection circuit  152 B, protection circuit  152 C may include an optional ESD protection circuit  66  coupled between input  156  and input  158  and an optional ESD protection circuit  68  coupled between input  104  and output  106 . 
       FIG. 28  is a block diagram of a protection circuit  152 D in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “D” has been appended to reference character “ 152 ” to distinguish protection circuit  152 D from protection circuits  152 - 152 C because protection circuit  152 D may include different or additional features than protection circuits  152 - 152 C. What is shown in  FIG. 28  is protection circuit  152 D having inputs  156  and  154  and output  158 . Protection circuit  152 D includes over-voltage detection circuit  60 , over-temperature detection circuit  70 , ESD protection circuits  66  and  68 , shunt drive circuit  162 , and series driver circuit  164  of protection circuit  152 C. In addition, protection circuit  152 D includes a control circuit  160 B having three inputs and an over-current detection circuit  65 , An output of control circuit  160 B is connected to a control terminal of a shunt driver circuit  162  and another output of control circuit  160 B is connected to a control terminal of a series driver circuit  164 . Shunt driver circuit  162  has an input connected to input  156  and an output connected to output  158 . Series driver circuit  164  has an input connected to an over-current detection circuit  65  and an output connected to output  158 . ESD protection circuit  66  is connected between inputs  156  and  154 . ESD protection circuit  68  is connected between input  156  and output  158 . An over-voltage detection circuit has an input connected to input  156  and an output connected to a first input of control circuit  160 B. An over-temperature detection circuit has an output connected to a second input of control circuit  160 B. The over-current detection circuit  65  has an input connected to input  154  and an output connected to a third input, of control circuit  160 B. In response to the magnitude of the voltage exceeding a reference value, over-voltage detection circuit  60  generates an input signal to control circuit  160 B, which generates control signals for shunt driver circuit  162  and series driver circuit  164 . In response to the control signal shunt driver circuit  162  closes or shorts the electrical path from input  156  to output  158  and series driver circuit opens the electrical path from input  154  to output  158 . Shorting the electrical path from input  156  to output  158  shunts the stress condition away from LED  14   1  or LEDS  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . Opening the path from input  154  to output  158  disconnects LED  14   1  or LEDS  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from output  158  which reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDS  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to substantially zero or zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  152 D reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDS  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDS  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . Similarly, the circuit responds in the same manner to a temperature exceeding a reference temperature value, or an electrical current from input  154  exceeding a reference current value, or any combination of simultaneous excessive voltage, temperature or current. 
       FIG. 29  is a block diagram of a circuit module  10 C that includes a Protection circuit  121  coupled to circuit element  14 , which includes strings of LEDs  14 A and  14 B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Protection circuit  121  is coupled between circuit elements  14 A and  14 B and a lower-voltage source of operating potential. Because of the locations of the connections of circuit elements  14 A and  14 B, circuit module  10 C may be referred to as a low-side series-shunt configured protection circuit, By way of example, circuit element  14 A is comprised of a string of series connected LEDs  14 A 1 , . . . ,  14 A f1 , where “n” is an integer having a value equal to one or greater and circuit element  14 B is comprised of a string of series connected LEDs  14 B 1 , . . . ,  14 B k , where “k” is an integer having a value equal to one or greater. It should be noted that integers “n” and “k” may have the same value or they may have different values. When integers “n” and “k” have the same values, the strings of series connected LEDs have the same number of LEDs. When integers “n” and “k” have different values, the string of series connected LEDs  14 A 1 , . . . ,  14 A n  has a different number of LEDs than the string of series connected LEDs  14 B 1 , . . . ,  14 B k . The cathodes of LED  14 A 1  and  14 B 1  is connected to the anodes of LEDs  14 A n  and  14 B k , respectively, and the cathodes of LED  14 B 1  and  14 B 2  are connected to the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B k . The cathode  15  of LED  14 A n  is connected to an input  17 B of protection circuit  12  and the cathode  15 A of LED  14 B n  is connected to an input  17 C of protection circuit  12 . It should be noted that in embodiments in which “n” has a value of one, circuit element  14 A is comprised of a single LED  14 A 1  and in embodiments in which “k” has a value of one, circuit element  14 B is comprised of a single LED  14 B  1 . An output  19  of protection circuit  12  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V SS . Protection circuit  12  has an input  16  that is connected to the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1 . In operation, the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1  and input  16  of protection circuit  12  are coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V DD . Alternatively, the anode of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1  and input  16  can be coupled to a drive circuit that provides a drive signal to LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1  and an input signal for protection circuit  12 . Under normal operating conditions, protection circuit  12  functions as a short circuit such that cathode  15  of LEDs  14 A n  and  14 B k  are connected to operating potential V SS . By way of example, operating potential V SS  is a ground potential. In response to a stress, the electrical path between input  17 B and  17 C, and output  19  is opened, which disconnects inputs  17 B and  17 C, and therefore cathodes  15  and  15 A, from output  19 . Opening the electrical path protects circuit elements  14 A and  14 B from the stressor or stressful condition. 
     The stressful condition may be an over-voltage condition, an over-current condition, an over-temperature condition, combinations thereof, or the, like. For example, in embodiments in which the stress is an over-voltage, protection circuit  12  protects against the over-voltages and may be referred to as an over-voltage protection. (OVP) circuit. If the voltage at the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1 , and thus the voltage at input  16 , becomes greater than a predetermined reference voltage, protection circuit  12  opens the circuit connection between the cathodes of LEDs  14 A n  and  14 B k  and source of operating potential V SS . By opening the circuit connection, OVP circuit  12  disconnects circuit elements  14 A and  14 B from source of operating potential V SS  to substantially stop large currents from flowing through LED strings  14 A and  14 B. This protects LED strings  14 A and  14 B from damage caused by an over-voltage appearing at the anodes of LED  14 A 1  and  14 B 1 . 
       FIG. 30  is a block diagram of a circuit module  10 D that includes Protection circuit  12 J connected in a high-side configuration and coupled to circuit elements  14 A and  14 B in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Protection circuit  12 J is referred to as being a high-side series-shunt, configured because it is coupled between circuit elements  14 A and  14 B and a higher-voltage source of operating potential. As discussed above, circuit element  14 A may be comprised of a string of series connected LEDs  14 A 1 , . . . ,  14 A n , where “n” is an integer having a value of one or greater and circuit element  14 B may be comprised of a string of series connected LEDs  14 B 1 , . . . ,  14 B k , where “k” is an integer having a value of one or greater. It should be noted that integers “n” and “k” may have the same value or they may have different values. When integers “n” and “k” have the same values, the strings of series connected LEDs have the same number of LEDs. When integers “n” and “k” have different values, the string of series connected LEDs  14 A 1 , . . . ,  14 A n  has a different number of LEDs than the string of series connected LEDs  14 B 1 , . . . ,  14 B  k . Protection circuit  12 J has inputs  16  and  17  and outputs  19 A and  19 B. Input  16  is coupled for receiving lower-voltage source of operating potential V SS , input  17  is coupled for receiving higher-voltage source of operating potential V DD , and outputs  19 A and  19 B are connected to the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1 . Alternatively, input  17  of protection circuit  12 J can be coupled to a drive circuit that provides a drive signal to protection circuit  12 J. Under normal operating conditions, protection circuit  12 J functions as a short circuit such that source of operating potential V DD  is connected to the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1  and input  16  is connected to source of operating potential V SS . By way of example, operating potential V SS  is a ground potential. In response to a stress, the electrical path between input  17  and outputs  19 A and  19 B are opened, which disconnects input  17  from outputs  19 B and  19 C. Thus circuit elements  14 A and  14 B are disconnected from source of operating potential V DD . Opening the electrical path protects circuit elements  14 A and  14 B from the stressor or stressful condition. As discussed above, the stressful condition may be an over-voltage condition, an over-current condition, an over-temperature condition, combinations thereof, or the like. 
       FIG. 31  is a block diagram of a protection circuit  12 J in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “J” has been appended to reference character “ 12 ” to distinguish protection circuit  12 J from protection circuits  12 - 12 I because protection circuit  12 J may include different or additional features than protection circuits  12 - 12 I. Protection circuit  12 J provides ESD protection and may be referred to as an ESD protection circuit. What is shown in  FIG. 31  is protection circuit  12 J having inputs  16 ,  17 , and  23  and an output  19 . Protection circuit  12 J includes a control circuit  62  which has an input connected to input node  23  and an output connected to an input of an output driver  64 . Output driver  64  has a terminal connected to input  17  and a terminal connected to output  19 . Protection circuit  12 J further includes an ESD protection circuit  66  coupled between inputs  16  and  17  and an ESD protection circuit  68  coupled between input  16  and input node  23 . in response to and ESD event, one or both of ESD protection circuits  66  and  68  create a path to ground which directs current flow such that it bypasses circuits  62  and  64 . In addition, an external signal may appear at input node  23  that causes control circuit  62  to generate a control signal that causes output driver  64  to open the path between input  17  and output  19 . Opening this path disconnects LED  14   1  or LEDS  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDS  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  such that the current is zero or substantially zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 J reduces the current flowing through LED  14   j  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . It should be noted that protection circuit  12 A may re-establish a connection from input  17  to output  19  in response to a stress being removed. 
       FIG. 32  is a block diagram of a protection circuit  12 K in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “K” has been appended to reference character “ 12 ” to distinguish protection circuit  12 K from protection circuits  12 - 12 J because protection circuit  12 K may include different or additional features than protection circuits  12 - 12 J. What is shown in  FIG. 32  is protection circuit  12 K having inputs  16 ,  17 , and  23  and an output  19 . Protection circuit  12 J includes a control circuit  62  which has an input connected to input node  23  and an output connected to an input of an output driver  64 . Output driver  64  has a terminal connected to input  17  and a terminal connected to output  19 . Optionally protection circuit  12 K includes an ESD protection circuit  66  coupled between inputs  16  and  17  and an ESD protection circuit  68  coupled between input  16  and input node  23 . In response to and ESD event, one or both of ESD protection circuits  66  and  68  create a path to ground which directs current flow such that it bypasses circuits  62  and  64 . An over-voltage detection circuit  60  has an input connected to input  16  and an output coupled to another input of control circuit  12 , In response to the magnitude of a voltage appearing at input  16  being greater than a magnitude of a reference voltage, over-voltage detection circuit  60  generates a control signal that is transmitted to control circuit  62 , which in turn causes output driver  64  to open the path between input  17  and output  19 , disconnecting LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  resulting in reducing the current flowing through LED  14 , or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to be substantially zero or to be zero. In addition, an external signal may appear at input node  23  that causes control circuit  62  to generate a control signal that causes output driver  64  to open the path between input  17  and output  19 , disconnecting LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  resulting in reducing the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to be substantially zero or to be zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 K reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 . Opening this path disconnects LED  14   1  or LEDS  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDS  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  such that the current is zero or substantially zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 K reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . It should be noted that protection circuit  12 K may re-establish a connection from input  17  to output  19  in response to a stress being removed. 
       FIG. 33  is a block diagram of a protection circuit  12 L in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “L” has been appended to reference character “ 12 ” to distinguish protection circuit  12 L from protection circuits  12 - 12 K because protection circuit  12 L may include different or additional features than protection circuits  12 - 12 K. What is shown in  FIG. 33  is protection circuit  12 L having inputs  16 ,  17 , and  23  and an output  19 . Protection circuit  12 K includes a control circuit  62  which has an input connected to input node  23  and an output connected to an input of an output driver  64 . Output driver  64  has a terminal connected to input  17  and a terminal connected to output  19 . Optionally protection circuit  12 J includes an ESD protection circuit  66  coupled between inputs  16  and  17  and an ESD protection circuit  68  coupled between input  16  and input node  23 . In response to and ESD event, one or both of ESD protection circuits  66  and  68  create a path to ground which directs current flow such that it bypasses circuits  62  and  64 . An over-temperature detection circuit  65  has an output coupled to another input of control circuit  12 . In response to the magnitude of the temperature being greater than a magnitude of a reference temperature, over-temperature detection circuit  70  generates a control signal that is transmitted to control circuit  62 , which in turn causes output driver  64  to open the path between input  17  and output  19 , disconnecting LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  resulting in reducing the current flowing through LED  14   j  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to be substantially zero or to be zero. In addition, an external signal may appear at input node  23  that causes control circuit  62  to generate a control signal that causes output driver  64  to open the path between input  17  and output  19 , disconnecting LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  resulting in reducing the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to be substantially zero or to be zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 L reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . Opening this path disconnects LED  14   1  or LEDS  14   1 ,. . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDS  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  such that the current is zero or substantially zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 L reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . It should be noted that protection circuit  12 L may re-establish a connection from input  17  to output  19  in response to a stress being removed. 
       FIG. 34  is a block diagram of a protection circuit  12 M in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “M” has been appended to reference character “ 12 ” to distinguish protection circuit  12 M from protection circuits  12 - 12 L, because protection circuit  12 M may include different or additional features than protection circuits  12 - 12 L. What is shown in  FIG. 34  is protection circuit  12 M having inputs  16 ,  17 , and  23  and an output  19 . Protection circuit  12 M includes a control circuit  62 A which has an input connected to input node  23  and an output connected to an input of an output driver  64 A. Output driver  64 A has a terminal connected to input  17  and a terminal connected to output  19 . Optionally protection circuit  12 M includes an ESD protection circuit  66  coupled between inputs  16  and  17  and an ESD protection circuit  68  coupled between input  16  and input node  23 . In response to and ESD event, one or both of ESD protection circuits  66  and  68  create a path to ground which directs current flow such that it bypasses circuits  62 A and  64 A. Protection circuit  12 M includes an over-current detection circuit  65  that has an output coupled to another input of control circuit  12 . In response to a stress condition in which the magnitude of the current flowing through input  17  is greater than the magnitude of a reference current, over-current detection circuit  65  generates a control signal that is transmitted to the input of control circuit  62 A, which generates a control signal that causes output driver  64 A to open the path between input  17  and output  19 . Opening this path disconnects LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  which reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to zero or substantially zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 D reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . 
     In addition, an external control signal may appear at input node  23  that causes control circuit  62  to generate a control signal that in turn causes output driver  64  to open the path between input  17  and output  19 , disconnecting LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  resulting in reducing the current flowing through LED  14 , or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to be substantially zero or to be zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 M reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . Opening this path disconnects LED  14   1  or LEDS  14 , . . . ,  14   n , from source of operating potential V SS  reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1 or  LEDS  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  such that the current is zero or substantially zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 L reduces the current flowing through LED  14 , or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . It should be noted that protection circuit  12 M may re-establish a connection from input  17  to output  19  in response to a stress being removed. 
       FIG. 35  is a block diagram of a protection circuit  12 N in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the reference character “N” has been appended to reference character “ 12 ” to distinguish protection circuit  12 N from protection circuits  12 - 12 M because protection circuit  12 N may include different or additional features than protection circuits  12 - 12 M. What is shown in  FIG. 34  is protection circuit  12 M having inputs  16 ,  17 , and  23  and an output  19 . Protection circuit  12 N includes a control circuit  62  which has an input connected to input node  23  and an output connected to an input of an output driver  64 . Output driver  64  has a terminal connected to input  17  and a terminal connected to output  19 . Optionally protection circuit  12 N includes an ESD protection circuit  66  coupled between inputs  16  and  17  and an ESD protection circuit  68  coupled between input  16  and input node  23 . In response to and ESD event, one or both of ESD protection circuits  66  and  68  create a path to ground which directs current flow such that it bypasses circuits  62  and  64 . Protection circuit  12 N includes an and over-voltage detection circuit  60  and an over-temperature detection circuit  70 , which circuits, connection and operation have been described with reference to  FIG. 11 . 
     In addition, an external control signal may appear at input node  23  that causes control circuit  62  to generate a control signal that causes output driver  64  to open the path between input  17  and output  19 , disconnecting LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  resulting in reducing the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  to be substantially zero or to be zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 M reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . Opening this path disconnects LED  14   1  or LEDS  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  from source of operating potential V SS  reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LED  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  such that the current is zero or substantially zero. Alternatively, protection circuit  12 N reduces the current flowing through LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n  so as to limit the current to a safe value, where the safe value is a current level substantially equal to the nominal operating current for LED  14   1  or LEDs  14   1 , . . . ,  14   n . It should be noted that protection circuit  12 N may re-establish, a connection from input  17  to output  19  in response to a stress being removed. 
       FIG. 36  is a block diagram of a circuit module  10 E that includes a Protection circuit  12 P with integrated color control coupled to circuit element  14 , which includes strings of LEDs  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Although only three strings of LEDs are illustrated, it should be noted that there may be four, five, six, or more strings of LEDs. In addition, each string of LEDs may have the same number of LEDs or a different number of LEDs. Protection and color control circuit  12 P is coupled between circuit elements  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C and a lower-voltage source of operating potential. Because of the locations of the connections of circuit elements  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C, circuit module  10 E may be referred to as a low-side series configured protection circuit having an integrated color control feature. Circuit elements  14 A and  14 B have been described with reference to  FIG. 29 . Circuit element  14 C may be comprised of a string of series connected LEDs  14 A 1 , . . . ,  14 A p , where “p” is an integer having a value of one or greater. It should be noted that integers “n,” “k,” (integers “n” and “k” have been described with reference to  FIG. 29 ) and “p” may have the same value or they may have different values. When integers “n,” “k,” and “p” have the same values, the strings of series connected LEDs  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C have the same number of LEDs. When integers “n,” “k,” and “p” have different values, the strings of series connected LEDs  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C have different numbers of LEDs. It should be noted that two of integers “n,” “k,” and “p” may have the same value and the third one a different value. Preferably each circuit element  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C emits a different color of light. For example, string of LEDs  14 A may emit red light, string of LEDs  14 B may emit blue light, and string of LEDs  14 C may emit green light. In accordance with alternative embodiments, circuit module  10 E may include one or more strings of LEDs  14 A that emit red light, one or more strings of LEDs  14 B that emit blue light, and one or more strings of LEDs  14 C that emit green light. In addition, the number of strings of LEDs  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C may be different from each other. For example, there may be four strings of LEDs  14 A that emit red light, three strings of LEDs  14 B that emit blue light, and one string of LEDs  14 C that emit green light. An output  19  of protection circuit  12 P is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V SS . Protection circuit  12 P has an input  16  that is connected to the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1 ,  14 B 1 , and  14 C 1 . In operation, the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1 ,  14 B 1 , and  14 C 1  and input  16  of protection and color control circuit  12 P are coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V DD . Alternatively, the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1 ,  14 B 1 , and  14 C 1  and input  16  can be coupled to a drive circuit that provides a drive signal to LEDs  14 A 1 ,  14 B 1 , and  14 C 1  and an input signal for protection circuit  12 P. Under normal operating conditions, protection and color control circuit  12 P functions as a short circuit such that cathodes  15 ,  15 A, and  15 B of LEDs  14 A n ,  14 B k  , and  14 C p  are connected to operating potential V SS . By way of example, operating potential V SS  is a ground potential. In response to a stress, the electrical path between input  17 C,  17 D, and  17 E and output  19  is opened, which disconnects input inputs  17 C,  17 D, and  17 E, and therefore cathodes  15 ,  15 A, and  15 B, from output  19 . Opening the electrical path protects circuit elements  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C from the stressor or stressful condition. 
     The stressful condition may be an over-voltage condition, an over-current condition, an over-temperature condition, combinations thereof, or the like. 
     In addition, protection and color control circuit  12 P includes a control input  23 A that receives a control signal representative of the desired module light color. It should be noted that the variable “m” has been shown with input  23 A to indicate that input  23 A may be comprised of one or more signal lines. In response to the control signal appearing at input  23 A, protection and color control circuit  12 P adjusts the currents flowing through diode strings  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C to emit the desired color and intensity of the light signal. By way of example, protection and color control circuit  12 P includes current switches coupled to each LED string  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C and generates, for example, pulse width modulated control signals that modulate the current levels flowing through LED strings  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C. By regulating the current levels, protection and color control circuit  12 P adjusts the light intensity emitted from the LEDs of LED strings  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C. 
       FIG. 37  is a block diagram of a circuit module  10 F that includes protection and color control circuit  12 Q connected in a high-side configuration and coupled to circuit elements  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Protection and color control circuit  12 Q is referred to as being a high-side series configured control circuit because it is coupled between circuit elements  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C and a higher-voltage source of operating potential. Circuit elements  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C have been discussed with reference to  FIG. 36 , Preferably each circuit element  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C emits a different color of light. For example, string of LEDs  14 A may emit red light, string of LEDs  14 B may emit blue light, and string of LEDs  14 C may emit green light. In accordance with alternative embodiments, circuit module  10 F may include one or more strings of LEDs  14 A that emit red light, one or more strings of LEDs  14 B that emit blue light, and one or more strings of LEDs  14 C that emit green light. In addition, the number of strings of LEDs  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C may be different from each other. For example, there may be one string of LEDs  14 A that emit red light, three strings of LEDs  14 B that emit blue light, and six strings of LEDs  14 C that emit green light. Protection and color control circuit  12 Q has inputs  16  and  17  and outputs  19 A,  19 B, and  19 C. Input  16  is coupled for receiving lower-voltage source of operating potential V SS , input  17  is coupled for receiving higher-voltage source of operating potential V DD , and outputs  19 A,  19 B, and  19 C are connected to the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1 ,  14 B 1 , and  14 C 1 , respectively. Alternatively, input  17  of protection circuit  12  can be coupled to a drive circuit that provides a drive signal to protection circuit  12 . Under normal operating conditions, protection circuit  12  functions as a short circuit such that source of operating potential V DD  is connected to the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1  and  14 B 1  and input  16  is connected to source of operating potential V SS . By way of example, operating potential V SS  is a ground potential. In response to a stress, the electrical path d between input  17  and outputs  19 A,  19 B, and  19 C are opened, which disconnects input  17  from outputs  19 A,  19 B, and  19 C. Thus circuit elements  14 A and  14 B are disconnected from source of operating potential V DD . Opening the electrical path protects circuit elements  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C from the stressor or stressful condition. As discussed above, the stressful condition may be an over-voltage condition, an over-current condition, an over-temperature condition, combinations thereof, or the like. 
     In addition, protection and color control circuit  12 Q includes a control input  23 A that receives a control signal representative of the desired module light color. It should be noted that the variable “m” has been shown with input  23 A to indicate that input  23 A may be comprised of one or more signal lines. In response to the control signal appearing at input  23 A, protection and color control circuit  12 Q adjusts the currents flowing through diode strings  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C to emit the desired color and intensity of the light signal. By way of example, protection and color control circuit  12 Q includes current switches coupled to each LED string  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C and generates, for example, pulse width modulated control signals that modulate the current levels flowing through LED strings  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C. By regulating the current levels, protection and color control circuit  12 P adjusts the light intensity emitted from the LEDs of LED strings  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C. Thus, modulation of the current in each string of LEDs  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C achieves the overall light color emitted from circuit module  10 F. Another method for modulating the current is to continuously vary the current. 
       FIG. 38  is a block diagram of a circuit module  10 G that includes a Protection circuit  12 R with integrated color control coupled to circuit element  14 , which includes strings of LEDs  14 A,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 B in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Although only fourth strings of LEDs are illustrated, it should be noted that there may be five, six, seven, or more strings of LEDs. In addition, each string of LEDs may have the same number of LEDs or a different number of LEDs. Protection and color control circuit  12 R is coupled between circuit elements  14 A,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D and a lower-voltage source of operating potential. Because of the locations of the connections of circuit elements  14 A,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D, circuit module  10 G may be referred to as a low-side series configured protection circuit having an integrated color control feature. Circuit elements  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C have been described with reference to  FIG. 36 . Circuit element  14 D may be comprised of a string of series connected LEDs  14 A 1 , . . . ,  14 A q , where “q” is an integer having a value of one or greater. It should be noted that integers “n,” “k,” “p” (integers “n,” “k,” and “p” have been described with reference to  FIG. 36 ) and “q” may have the same value or they may have different values. When integers “n,” “k,” “p,” and “q” have the same values, the strings of series connected LEDs  14 A,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D have the same number of LEDs. When integers “n,” “k,” “p,” and “q” have different values, the strings of series connected LEDs  14 A,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D have different numbers of LEDs. It should be noted that one or more of integers “n,” “k,” “p,” and “q” may have the same value and the others a different value. Preferably each circuit element  14 A,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D emits a different color of light. For example, string of LEDs  14 A may emit red light, string of LEDs  14 B may emit blue light, string of LEDs  14 C may emit green light, and string of LEDs  14 D may emit white light. In accordance with alternative embodiments, circuit module  10 G may include one or more strings of LEDs  14 A that emit red light, one or more strings of LEDs  14 B that emit blue light, one or more strings of LEDs  14 C that emit green light, and one or more strings of LEDs  14 D that emit white light. In addition, the number of strings of LEDs  14 A,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D may be different from each other. For example, there may be two strings of LEDs  14 A that emit red light, five strings of LEDs  14 B that emit blue light, one string of LEDs  14 C that emit green light, and six strings of LEDs  14 D that emit white light. An output  19  of protection circuit  12  is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V SS . Protection and color control circuit  12 R has an input  16  that is connected to the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1 ,  14 B 1 ,  14 C 1 , and  14 D 1 . In operation, the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1    14 B 1 ,  14 C 1 , and  14 D 1  and input  16  of protection and color control circuit  12 R are coupled for receiving a source of operating potential V DD . Alternatively, the anodes of LEDs  14 A 1 ,  14 B 1 ,  14 C 1 , and  14 D 1  and input  16  can be coupled to a drive circuit that provides a drive signal to LEDs  14 A 1 ,  14 B 1 ,  14 C 1 , and  14 D 1  and an input signal for protection circuit  12 P. Under normal operating conditions, protection and color control circuit  12 R functions as a short circuit such that cathodes  15 ,  15 A,  15 B, and  15 C of LEDs  14 A n ,  14 B k ,  14 C p , and  14 D q  are connected to operating potential V SS . By way of example, operating potential V SS  is a ground potential. In response to a stress, the electrical path between  17  inputs  17 C,  17 D,  17 E, and  17 F and output  19  is opened, which disconnects inputs  17 C,  17 D,  17 E, and  17 F, and therefore cathodes  15 ,  15 A,  15 B, and  15 C, from output  19 . Opening the electrical path protects circuit elements  14 A,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D from the stressor or stressful condition. 
     The stressful condition may be an over-voltage condition, an over-current condition, an over-temperature condition, combinations thereof, or the like. 
     In addition, protection and color control circuit  12 R includes a control. input  23 A that receives a control signal representative of the desired module light color. It should be noted that the variable “m” has been shown with input  23 A to indicate that input  23 A may be comprised of one or more signal lines. In response to the control signal appearing at input  23 A, protection and color control circuit  12 R adjusts the currents flowing through diode strings  14 A,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D to emit the desired color and intensity of the light signal. By way of example, protection and color control circuit  12 R includes current switches coupled to each LED string  14 A,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D and generates, for example, pulse width modulated control signals that modulate the current levels flowing through LED strings  14 A,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D. By regulating the current levels, protection and color control circuit  12 R adjusts the light intensity emitted from the LEDs of LED strings  14 A,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D. 
       FIG. 39  is a block diagram of a circuit module  10 H that includes protection and color control circuit  12 S connected in a high-side configuration and coupled to circuit elements  14 A,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Protection circuit  12 S is referred to as being a high-side series configured control circuit because it is coupled between circuit elements  14 A,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D and a higher-voltage source of operating potential.  FIG. 39  has Been included for the sake of completeness and is similar to protection and color control circuit  12 Q except that it includes string of LEDs  14 D connected to an output  19 D. 
       FIG. 40  is an isometric view of a module  200  that includes a protection circuit  202  coupled to a support  22  and an LED  14   1  mounted on protection circuit  202 . Support  22  has been described with reference to  FIG. 2 . Protection circuit  202  may be coupled to support  22  using a thermally conductive and electrically non-conductive die attach material, a thermally conductive and electrically conductive die attach material, or the like. 
     LED  14   1  and protection circuit  202  are mounted on support  22 . LED  14   1  and protection circuit  202  may be coupled to support  22  using a thermally conductive and electrically conductive die attach material, a thermally conductive and electrically nonconductive die attach material, or the like. By way of example, protection circuit  202  has bond pads  204 ,  206 ,  208 , and  210  and LED  14   1  has bond pads  32  and  34  and may be coupled to protection circuit  202  using an electrically non-conductive die attach material or the like. Bond pad  208  is coupled to lead  28  though a wire bond  212  and bond pad  206  may be coupled to lead  30  through a wire bond  214 . Bond pad  204  is coupled to bond pad  32  through a wire bond  216  and bond pad  210  is coupled to bond pad  34  through a wire bond  218 . By way of example, the anode of LED  14   1  is connected to bond pad  32  and the cathode of LED  14   1  is connected to bond pad  34 . Lead  28  may be coupled for receiving a source of operating potential such as, for example, potential V DD , and lead  30  may be coupled for receiving a source of operating potential such as, for example, V SS . In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, operating potential V DD  is substantially 3.5 volts and operating potential V SS  is substantially 0 volts. Although not shown, support  22 , LED  14   1 ,  14   2 ,  14   3 ,and  14   4 protection circuit  202 , interposers  254 ,  256 , and  258 , wire bonds  260 ,  262 ,  264 ,  266 ,  268 ,  270 , and  272 , and leads  28  and  30  may be protected by an encapsulant capable of transmitting the light emitted by LED  14   1 . 
     It should be noted that protection circuit  202  may include an over-voltage detection circuit, an over-current detection circuit, an over-temperature detection circuit, one or more ESD protection circuits, or the like, and combinations thereof. 
       FIG. 41  is an isometric view of a module  250  that includes a protection circuit  252  coupled to a support  22  and one or more interposers coupled to support  22 . Support  22  has been described with reference to  FIG. 2 . By way of example, three interposers  254 ,  256 , and  258  are shown as being coupled to support  22 . Suitable materials for interposers  254 - 258  include ceramic material, silicon glass, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, printed circuit board material, electrically conductive material, or the like. Protection circuit  252  and interposers  254 - 258  may be coupled to support  22  using a thermally conductive and electrically non-conductive die attach material, a thermally conductive and electrically conductive die attach material, or the like. 
     LED  14   1  is coupled to interposer  254 , LED  14   2  is coupled to interposer  256 , LED  14   3  is coupled to protection circuit  252 , and LED  14   4  is coupled to interposer  258 . LED  14   1  and protection circuit  202  are mounted on support  22  using, for example, a thermally conductive die attach material. LED  14   1  has bond pads  32  and  34 . LED  14   2  has bond pads  32 A and  34 A, LED  14   3  has bond pads  32 B and  34 B, and LED  14   4  has bond pads  32 C and  34 C. Bond pad  36  of protection circuit  252  is coupled to lead  28  through a wire bond  260 , bond pad  40  is coupled to bond pad  32 B through a wire bond  262 , bond pad  34 B is coupled to bond pad  32 C through a wire bond  264 , bond pad  34 C is coupled to a bond pad  34 A through a wire bond  266 , bond pad  32 A is coupled to a bond pad  34  through a wire bond  268 , bond pad  32  is coupled to lead  28  through a wire bond  270 , and bond pad  38  is coupled to lead  30  through a wire bond  272 . By way of example, the anode of LED  14   1  is connected to bond pad  32  and the cathode of LED  14   1  is connected to bond pad  34 . Lead  28  may be coupled for receiving a source of operating potential such as, for example, potential V DD , and lead  30  may be coupled for receiving a source of operating potential such as, for example, V SS . In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, operating potential V DD  is substantially 14 volts and operating potential V SS  is substantially 0 volts. Although not shown, support  22 , LED  14   1 , protection circuit  252 , wire bonds  260 ,  262 ,  264 ,  266 ,  268 ,  270 , and  272 , and leads  28  and  30  may be protected by an encapsulant capable of transmitting the light emitted by LEDs  14   1 ,  14   2 ,  14   3 , and  14   4 . 
     It should be noted that protective circuit  252  may include an over-voltage detection circuit, an over-current detection circuit, an over-temperature detection circuit, one or more ESD protection circuits, or the like, and combinations thereof 
     Although certain preferred embodiments and methods have been disclosed herein, it will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of such embodiments and methods may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that the invention shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the rules and principles of applicable law.