Apparatus and method for transient electrical overstress protection

US8466489B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Analog Devices, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Javier Alejandro Salcedo · North Billerica, US
• Karl Sweetland · Tyngsborough, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 4, 2011
• Grant date: Jun 18, 2013
• Expiry date: Aug 20, 2031

Classification

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

Abstract

An apparatus and method for high voltage transient electrical overstress protection are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes 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. The protection circuit is configured to protect the internal circuit from transient electrical overstress events while maintaining a relatively high holding voltage upon activation. The holes—or electrons—enhanced conduction protection circuit includes a bi-directional bipolar device having an emitter/collector, a base, and a collector/emitter; a first bipolar transistor having an emitter electrically coupled to the first node, a base electrically coupled to the emitter/collector of the bipolar device, and a collector electrically coupled to the base of the bipolar transistor; and a second bipolar transistor having an emitter electrically coupled to the second node, a base electrically coupled to the collector/emitter of the bipolar device, and a collector electrically coupled to the base of the bipolar transistor.