Taiwan semiconductor manufacturing company, ltd. (20240120735). ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME simplified abstract

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ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME

Organization Name

taiwan semiconductor manufacturing company, ltd.

Inventor(s)

Chia-Lin Hsu of Hsinchu (TW)

Ming-Fu Tsai of Hsinchu (TW)

Yu-Ti Su of Hsinchu (TW)

Kuo-Ji Chen of Hsinchu (TW)

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240120735 titled 'ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes an electrostatic discharge (ESD) circuit comprising a detection circuit, a discharging circuit, and an assist circuit to protect against ESD events.

  • The first ESD detection circuit monitors voltages at two nodes and triggers the discharging circuit when an ESD event is detected.
  • The first discharging circuit includes a transistor that connects the first node to the second node to discharge any accumulated charge.
  • The first ESD assist circuit is designed to clamp the voltage at a third node during an ESD event to prevent damage to the circuit.

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in electronic devices, integrated circuits, and other systems where protection against ESD events is crucial.

Problems Solved

This technology helps prevent damage to electronic components caused by ESD events, ensuring the reliability and longevity of the devices.

Benefits

- Enhanced protection against ESD events - Improved reliability of electronic systems - Extended lifespan of electronic components

Potential Commercial Applications

- Consumer electronics - Automotive electronics - Industrial control systems

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be similar ESD protection circuits used in electronic devices and integrated circuits to safeguard against ESD events.

Unanswered Questions

How does the circuit respond to multiple ESD events in quick succession?

The circuit's ability to handle multiple ESD events in rapid succession could impact its overall effectiveness in protecting electronic components.

What is the cost implication of implementing this technology in mass-produced electronic devices?

Understanding the cost of integrating this ESD protection technology into commercial products is essential for assessing its feasibility and market adoption.


Original Abstract Submitted

an electrostatic discharge (esd) circuit includes a first esd detection circuit, a first discharging circuit and a first esd assist circuit. the first esd detection circuit is coupled between a first node having a first voltage and a second node having a second voltage. the first discharging circuit includes a first transistor. the first transistor has a first gate, a first drain, a first source and a first body terminal. the first gate is coupled to the first esd detection circuit by a third node. the first drain is coupled to the first node. the first source and the first body terminal are coupled together at the second node. the first esd assist circuit is coupled between the second and third node, and configured to clamp a third voltage of the third node at the second voltage during an esd event at the first or second node.