ESD Clamp Thermal Regulation via Biasing Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit devices face temperature inversion effects due to MOSFET parameters, leading to reduced operating temperature ranges and self-heating limitations, especially during low power periods or startup, which can result in insufficient thermal energy for maintaining optimal junction temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an ESD clamp device with a biasing module that applies a thermal regulation signal to cause the ESD clamp device to operate in a conductive state, generating heat to maintain junction temperatures within a desired range without additional heating elements, using existing ESD clamp devices to manage temperature during low power consumption or startup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the integrated circuit device operates during low power periods or startup, then power consumption is reduced, but the self-heating capability becomes insufficient to maintain optimal junction temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The ESD clamp device is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original electrostatic discharge protection function and a new thermal regulation function. By applying a biasing signal to the control electrode, the ESD clamp device can operate in a conductive state to generate heat for self-heating, or in a high-impedance state for ESD protection, thus serving multiple purposes with a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameters of the ESD clamp device are dynamically changed by controlling the biasing signal applied to its control electrode. When thermal regulation is needed, a biasing signal is applied to make the ESD clamp device conductive, changing its resistance state from high-impedance to conductive, thereby enabling it to generate heat for self-heating during low power periods or startup.
2Temperature
If additional heating elements are added to the integrated circuit device, then thermal regulation capability is improved, but device complexity and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ESD clamp device is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original electrostatic discharge protection function and a new thermal regulation function. By applying a biasing signal to the control electrode, the ESD clamp device can operate in a conductive state to generate heat for self-heating, or in a high-impedance state for ESD protection, thus serving multiple purposes with a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The ESD clamp device serves itself by generating the thermal energy it needs through its own conductive operation. Rather than requiring separate heating elements, the device uses its intrinsic ability to conduct current and generate heat, making it self-sufficient for thermal regulation while maintaining its original protection function.
3Temperature
If the ESD clamp device operates in a conductive state to generate heat, then junction temperature is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal regulation function is activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The biasing module applies the biasing signal to the ESD clamp device only when thermal regulation is needed (during low power periods or startup), allowing the device to switch between conductive and high-impedance states, thereby generating heat only when necessary and reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating state of the ESD clamp device is made dynamic and adjustable. The biasing module can control the ESD clamp device to transition between conductive and high-impedance states based on real-time thermal conditions, enabling flexible power management where the device consumes more power only when thermal regulation is required and returns to low-power mode when not needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively maintains junction temperatures within a defined operating range without additional real estate overhead, simplifying design and ensuring consistent performance by utilizing existing ESD clamp devices for thermal regulation, thus overcoming self-heating limitations.
Implementation Method 1
The ESD clamp device is arranged to operate in an at least partially conductive state... generating heat to maintain junction temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit device comprising at least one electrostatic discharge (ESD) clamp device. The at least one ESD clamp device comprises a first channel input, a second channel input, and a control input arranged to receive a control signal. The at least one ESD clamp device is arranged to selectively operate in a conductive state in which the at least one ESD clamp device permits current to flow between the first and second channel inputs thereof based at least partly on the received control signal. The integrated circuit device further comprises at least one biasing module. The at least one biasing module comprises at least one output operably coupled to the control input of the at least one ESD clamp device, and at least one input arranged to receive a thermal regulation signal. The at least one biasing module being arranged to apply a bias to the control signal for the at least one ESD clamp device based at least partly on the received thermal regulation signal.