Circuits, systems, algorithms and methods for ESD protection

Details Circuits, systems, algorithms and methods for ESD protection Circuits, systems, algorithms and methods for ESD protection

2007-09-14

2011-11-29

Barnie, Rexford (Department: 2836)

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Safety and protection of systems and devices

Load shunting by fault responsive means

C361S111000

Reexamination Certificate

active

08068319

ABSTRACT:
Circuits, systems, and methods for protecting an integrated circuit having independently-powered circuit sections from electrostatic discharge events. The integrated circuit generally comprises an ESD control line, a first circuit having a first electrostatic discharge (ESD) device coupled to a first positive voltage rail, a first negative voltage rail, and the ESD control line, the first ESD device configured to activate an ESD control signal on the ESD control line when an electrostatic discharge occurs, and a second circuit having a second positive voltage rail, a second negative voltage rail, and a second ESD device, coupled to the second positive voltage rail, the second negative voltage rail, and the ESD control line, the second ESD device configured to shunt current between the second positive voltage rail and the second negative voltage rail when the ESD control signal is activated. The present invention advantageously protects integrated circuits having independently-powered circuit sections from electrostatic discharge events without adding redundant power and/or ground pads by sharing ESD shunting capacity between circuit sections during an ESD event.

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