ESD Device Mitigating Cross-Domain Voltage Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ESD prevention devices are inadequate in mitigating electrostatic discharge events across power domain boundaries in integrated circuits, leading to device failures as they fail to effectively prevent the transmission of ESD-induced voltage spikes from one power domain to another.
Innovation Solution
An ESD device utilizing standard cell components within a first power domain, featuring a blocking device and a transistor that decouples the voltage rail from the output terminal upon detecting an ESD event, thereby preventing the transmission of ESD-induced voltages to other power domains, using a trigger signal and data signal to manage current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard ESD prevention devices are used within a single power domain, then ESD events within that domain are mitigated, but ESD events are still transmitted across power domain boundaries causing IC failures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the power domain boundary into distinct regions with different ESD protection mechanisms. The first ESD device is placed in the first power domain while the second ESD device is placed in the second power domain, creating segmented protection zones that address ESD events specific to each domain's voltage characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by using ESD devices with characteristics tailored to specific power domains. Each ESD device is configured with voltage thresholds and protection parameters matched to its respective power domain's voltage rail characteristics, providing localized optimization rather than a uniform protection approach
2Adaptability or versatility
If voltage rails from different power domains are coupled to enable data transmission, then interface functionality is achieved, but ESD events can propagate between domains causing device damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces ESD protection devices as intermediary elements between coupled voltage rails of different power domains. These intermediary devices monitor voltage conditions and activate protection mechanisms when ESD events are detected, mediating between the need for electrical coupling and the need for isolation during ESD events
Solution Approach 2:
The ESD protection devices are configured to detect ESD events and respond by blocking or diverting the discharge before it can propagate to vulnerable components in other power domains, applying preliminary anti-action to prevent the harmful effect before it occurs
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
Effectively reduces the risk of IC failures by intercepting and mitigating ESD-induced voltage changes at power domain boundaries, protecting components in adjacent power domains from damage caused by electrostatic discharges.
Implementation Method 1
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) events are caused by the familiar buildup and discharge of charges due static electricity
Implementation Method 2
The transistor is coupled to the first voltage rail and configured to turn on or off current to the blocking device according to a data signal
Data Source
AI summary
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) device is implemented within a power domain to mitigate imparting ESD induced voltages on other power domains for reducing integrated circuit (IC) failures. A first power domain includes an interface with a first terminal where an ESD event is received. The interface includes a second terminal coupled to a component within a second power domain. The ESD device is disposed between the first terminal and second terminal to intercept the ESD event. In one embodiment, the ESD device includes a blocking device. The blocking device operatively decouples the first terminal and second terminal in response to a trigger signal received during an ESD event. By operatively decoupling the terminals, transmission of the ESD induced voltages is substantially mitigated. Embodiments of the ESD device can be implemented using standard cell libraries to simplify integration.