Patent ID: 10068894

Abstract:
Low leakage bidirectional clamps and methods of forming the same are provided. In certain configurations, a bidirectional clamp includes a first p-well region, a second p-well region, and an n-well region positioned between the first and second p-wells regions. The bidirectional clamp further includes two or more oxide regions over the n-well region, and one or more n-type active (N+) dummy blocking current regions are positioned between the oxide regions. The one or more N+ dummy leakage current blocking regions interrupt an electrical path from the first p-type well region to the second p-type well region along interfaces between the n-well region and the oxide regions. Thus, even when charge accumulates at the interfaces due to extended high voltage, e.g., >60V, and/or high temperature operation (e.g., >125° C.), the N+ dummy leakage current blocking regions inhibit charge trapping-induced leakage current.