Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC
RC-triggered power clamp suppressing negative mode electrostatic discharge stress
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) power clamp circuit including a RC-delay element coupled to a plurality of serialized inverter elements with a power clamp element and an ESD-triggered keeper device coupled to the plurality of inverters. During negative mode ESD events, the ESD-triggered keeper device is activated and assists the power clamp element to pull up and strongly conduct current to protect the circuit. Additionally, a method of ESD protection in a circuit is provided. The method includes coupling a RC-delay element to an input of a plurality of serialized inverter elements, coupling an output of the plurality of serialized inverters with an ESD-triggered keeper device and a power clamp element, triggering the ESD-triggered keeper device to turn on during negative ESD events and conducting current by the power clamp element with assistance of the ESD-triggered keeper device to protect the circuit as a result of negative ESD events.
International Business Machines Corporation
H
H02H
inventional
Junjun Christopher S. Souvick Dimitrios K. Robert J.
Li Putnam Mitra Kontos Gauthier, Jr.