Transient voltage suppressor (TVS) with improved clamping voltage
US8503141B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 10, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10D18/251
Abstract
This invention discloses an electronic device formed as an integrated circuit (IC) wherein the electronic device further includes a transient voltage suppressing (TVS) circuit for suppressing a transient voltage. The transient voltage suppressing (TVS) circuit includes a Zener diode connected between a ground terminal and a node for triggering a snapback circuit. In one embodiment, this node may be a Vcc terminal. The TVS device further includes a snapback circuit connected in parallel to the Zener diode for conducting a transient voltage current with a snapback current-voltage (I-V) characteristic upon turning on of the snapback circuit. And, the TVS device further includes a snapback suppressing circuit connected in series with the snapback circuit for conducting a current with an I-V characteristic complementary to the snapback-IV characteristic for clamping a snapback voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.