ESD protection cluster and method of providing multi-port ESD protection

US7193251B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Vladislav Vashchenko · Palo Alto, US
• Ann Concannon · San Jose, US
• Peter J. Hopper · San Jose, US
• Marcel ter Beek · Pleasanton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 9, 2003
• Grant date: Mar 20, 2007
• Expiry date: Jan 9, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10D89/713

Abstract

In multiple port chip circuit, an ESD protection circuit and method of protecting the ports of the multiple port circuit, includes providing a plurality of bi-directional snapback devices such as DIACs and connecting only one electrode to ground while connecting the other electrodes to the ports that are to be protected.