ESD protection device with a tunable holding voltage for a high voltage programming pad
US8724272B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 13, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49155
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An ESD protection device with a tunable holding voltage is disclosed. Embodiments include: providing a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) having a first n-type layer with a cathode connection, a first p-type layer with a first control connection, a second n-type layer with a second control connection, and a second p-type layer with an anode connection; coupling the anode connection to a power rail; coupling the cathode connection to a ground rail; providing a tunable holding voltage control unit including a first NMOS having a first gate, a first drain, and a first source, wherein during an ESD event, the first NMOS is turned off and a holding voltage of the SCR is low; coupling the first drain to the first control connection; coupling the first source to the ground rail; and coupling the first gate to a program circuit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.