Electrostatic discharge protection circuit

US8194373B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Toumaz Technology Limited · GB

Inventor

• Paul Padden · Shrewsbury, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 14, 2008
• Grant date: Jun 5, 2012
• Expiry date: Jul 18, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01L2924/0002

Abstract

An integrated circuit having a plurality of circuit blocks, each block having one or more positive voltage supply pads, one or more negative voltage supply pads, and one or more signal pads. The integrated circuit further comprises an electrostatic protection circuit comprising a first electrostatic discharge protection rail for connection to a positive voltage supply point, a second electrostatic discharge protection rail for connection to a negative voltage supply point, and first protection circuitry coupling each said signal pad to both said first and second electrostatic discharge protection rails, the first protection circuitry being configured to provide a conduction path to one of the first and second rings in the event of an excessive voltage being present on one of said signal pads.