Apparatus and method for protection of precision mixed-signal electronic circuits
US8946822B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 2012 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10D89/711
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for precision mixed-signal electronic circuit protection are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a p-well, an n-well, a poly-active diode structure, a p-type active region, and an n-type active region. The poly-active diode structure is formed over the n-well, the p-type active region is formed in the n-well on a first side of the poly-active diode structure, and the n-type active region is formed along a boundary of the p-well and the n-well on a second side of the poly-active diode structure. During a transient electrical event the apparatus is configured to provide conduction paths through and underneath the poly-active diode structure to facilitate injection of carriers in the n-type active region. The protection device can further include another poly-active diode structure formed over the p-well to further enhance carrier injection into the n-type active region.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.