Electrostatic-discharge protection using a micro-electromechanical-system switch
US7679872B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 2008 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H59/0009
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments of an interface circuit are described. This interface circuit includes an input pad, a control node and a transistor, which has three terminals. A first terminal is electrically coupled to the input pad and a second terminal is electrically coupled to the control node. Moreover, the interface circuit includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switch, which is electrically coupled to the input pad and the control node, where the MEMS switch is in parallel with the transistor. In the absence of a voltage applied to a control terminal of the MEMS switch, the MEMS switch is closed, thereby electrically coupling the input pad and the control node. Furthermore, when the voltage is applied to the control terminal of the MEMS switch, the MEMS switch is open, thereby electrically decoupling the input pad and the control node.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.