Method and apparatus for reducing disturbances on an integrated circuit
US5828259A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 18, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 27, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 18, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10D89/60
Abstract
A decoupling capacitor for an integrated circuit is operatively coupled to a supply and to control circuitry for isolating the capacitor. The control circuitry automatically isolates the capacitor in response to a current through the capacitor exceeding a certain threshold, but tends to restore the capacitor to operation if the current is merely caused by momentary conditions, rather than substantial failure of the capacitor. The control circuitry includes a first control device for automatically switching to an off state to isolate the capacitor in response to a voltage produced by the current exceeding a certain threshold. A discharging device tends to discharge the voltage and automatically turn on the first device when the current is caused by momentary conditions. The discharging device may include a control device responsive to an external control signal for switching the first control device on and off.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.