Dual-tub junction-isolated voltage clamp devices for protecting low voltage circuitry connected between high voltage interface pins and methods of forming the same
US9147677B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 2013 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10D89/813
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Dual-tub junction-isolated voltage clamp devices and methods of forming the same are provided herein. The voltage clamp device can provide junction-isolated protection to low voltage circuitry connected between first and second high voltage interface pins. In certain implementations, a voltage clamp device includes a PNPN protection structure disposed in a p-well, a PN diode protection structure disposed in an n-well positioned adjacent the p-well, a p-type tub surrounding the p-well and the n-well, and an n-type tub surrounding the p-type tub. The p-type tub and the n-type tub provide junction isolation, the p-type tub can be electrically floating, and the n-type tub can be electrically connected to the second pin. The first and second pins can operate at a voltage difference below the junction isolation breakdown, and the second pin can operate with higher voltage than the first pin.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.