Bi-directional blocking voltage protection devices and methods of forming the same

US8680620B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Analog Devices, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Javier Alejandro Salcedo · North Billerica, US
• Michael Lynch · Merritt Island, US
• Brian B. Moane · Abbeyleix, IE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 4, 2011
• Grant date: Mar 25, 2014
• Expiry date: Mar 2, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10D84/854

Abstract

Bi-directional blocking voltage protection devices and methods of forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a protection device includes an n-well and first and second p-wells disposed on opposite sides of the n-well. The first p-well includes a first P+ region and a first N+ region and the second p-well includes a second P+ region and second N+ region. The device further includes a third P+ region disposed along a boundary of the n-well and the first p-well and a fourth P+ region disposed along a boundary of the n-well and the second p-well. A first gate is disposed between the first N+ region and the third P+ region and a second gate is disposed between the second N+ region and the fourth P+ region. The device provides bi-directional blocking voltage protection during high energy stress events, including in applications operating at very low to medium swing voltages.