Apparatus and method for protecting electronic circuits

US8368116B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Analog Devices, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Javier Alejandro Salcedo · North Billerica, US
• David Casey · Senatobia, US
• Graham McCorkell · Edinburgh, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 9, 2010
• Grant date: Feb 5, 2013
• Expiry date: Jan 23, 2031

Classification

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

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for electronic circuit protection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a well having an emitter and a collector region. The well has a doping of a first type, and the emitter and collector regions have a doping of a second type. The emitter region, well, and collector region are configured to operate as an emitter, base, and collector for a first transistor, respectively. The collector region is spaced away from the emitter region to define a spacing. A first spacer and a second spacer are positioned adjacent the well between the emitter and the collector. A conductive plate is positioned adjacent the well and between the first spacer and the second spacer, and a doping adjacent the first spacer, the second spacer, and the plate consists essentially of the first type.