Apparatus and method for electronic circuit protection
US8416543B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10D89/711
Abstract
Apparatuses and methods for electronic circuit protection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises an internal circuit electrically connected between a first node and a second node, and a protection circuit electrically connected between the first node and the second node and configured to protect the internal circuit from transient electrical events. The protection circuit comprises a bipolar transistor having an emitter connected to the first node, a base connected to a third node, and a collector connected to a fourth node. The protection circuit further comprises a first diode electrically connected between the third node and the fourth node, and a second diode electrically connected between the second node and the fourth node. The first diode is an avalanche breakdown diode having an avalanche breakdown voltage lower than or about equal to a breakdown voltage associated with the base and the collector of the bipolar transistor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.