Electrostatic Discharge Clamping Circuit for Multi-Power 3D IC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D IC designs face challenges in providing effective electrostatic discharge protection across multiple power sources, as existing full-chip electrostatic discharge protection structures do not adequately enhance the turned-on behaviors of clamping circuits in such applications.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method for electrostatic discharge clamping that includes a detection module, a control module, and a clamping module, where the detection module generates a voltage upon an electrostatic discharge event, providing it to the control module to couple the first power line of a first power source to the second power line, thereby creating an electrostatic discharge path across different power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrostatic discharge protection structures are used in multi-power 3D IC designs, then the basic protection function is provided, but the turned-on behaviors of the clamping circuit are not adequately enhanced for multiple power sources applications
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping circuit employs dynamic control through a control module that adjusts the clamping behavior based on real-time detection of electrostatic discharge events. The circuit transitions from a static protection structure to a dynamic one that can adapt its clamping characteristics according to the detected voltage conditions across multiple power sources, thereby enhancing both protection effectiveness and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the clamping circuit by detecting voltage divisions across different power sources and adjusting the clamping threshold accordingly. The detection module monitors voltage parameters and triggers the clamping module to activate at appropriate voltage levels, enabling the circuit to adapt to multiple power source configurations while maintaining effective electrostatic discharge protection.
2Measurement precision
If a detection module is added to detect electrostatic discharge events across multiple power sources, then the protection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection module is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall circuit complexity. It simultaneously detects electrostatic discharge events across multiple power sources, provides voltage division information to the control module, and triggers appropriate clamping actions. By consolidating these functions into a single module, the invention improves detection accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves as an intermediary between the detection module and the clamping module, processing detection signals and coordinating the clamping response. This intermediary structure allows the system to achieve precise detection and controlled clamping behavior while maintaining a modular architecture that manages complexity through functional separation and coordinated operation.
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 protects internal components from electrostatic discharging by providing a controlled discharge path across multiple power sources, ensuring reliable operation in systems with varied voltage levels.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage division terminal may provide a voltage to the control module according to an electrostatic discharge event on the first power line of the first power source
Implementation Method 2
The voltage division terminal may provide a voltage to the control module according to an electrostatic discharge event
Implementation Method 3
the control module may then control the clamping module to couple the first power line of the first power source to the second power line of the first power source
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit and a method for electrostatic discharge clamping are provided. The circuit includes a detection module, a control module, and a clamping module. The detection, control, and clamping modules are coupled with a first power line of a first power source and a second power line of the first power source. Third terminals of the detection, control and clamping modules are coupled to a first power line of a second power source, a voltage division terminal of the detection module, a fourth terminal of the control module respectively. According to an electrostatic discharge event on the first power line of the first power source, the division voltage terminal of the detection module provides a voltage to the control module. Then, the control module controls the clamping module to couple the first power line of the first power source to the second power line of the first power source.