Semiconductor switch with ESD protection circuit
US11942780B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 2021 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10D89/819
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A clamping circuit for protection against ESD events is described. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the circuit comprises the following: a first transistor having a control terminal and a load current path connected between a first contact and a second contact; an amplifier circuit having an amplifier input and an amplifier output connected to the control terminal of the transistor; and a trigger circuit, which is connected between the first contact and the second contact, and comprises a second transistor. The trigger circuit is configured to generate a voltage swing at the amplifier input as a reaction to a discharge current at the first contact by virtue of the fact that at least part of the discharge current drives a control terminal of the second transistor via an intrinsic capacitance of the second transistor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.