Device for the protection of an integrated circuit against electrostatic discharges

US5789785A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• SGS-Thomson Microelectronics S.A. · IT

Inventors

• Enrico M. A. Ravanelli · Monza, IT
• Fabrizio Martignoni · Morazzone, IT

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 28, 1996
• Grant date: Aug 4, 1998
• Expiry date: Feb 28, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10D89/711

Abstract

A device for protecting an integrated circuit against electrostatic discharges, and adapted for connection between a terminal and a ground of the integrated circuit, which includes a first transistor (Q2) connected between that terminal and ground by its emitter terminal and collector terminal, respectively, and a second transistor (Q1) which has its base terminal connected to the base terminal of the first transistor. The emitter and collector terminals of the second transistor (Q2) are connected to the collector of the first transistor (Q1).