Adjustable Trigger Voltage ESD Protection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ESD protection circuits face challenges in achieving a low trigger voltage with minimal leakage current, as they often trigger at too high a voltage or have excessive leakage, and are influenced by transient events and area consumption.
Innovation Solution
A voltage level detection trigger device with a voltage divider circuit that controls the triggering voltage, comprising multiple triggering elements and voltage dividers to adjust the trigger voltage between minimum and maximum values while maintaining low leakage, and is not affected by transient events or area consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage level detection devices are used to achieve low trigger voltage, then trigger voltage can be reduced, but leakage current increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage divider circuit divides the voltage detection function into multiple segments (multiple triggering elements in series), where each element operates at a lower voltage level. This segmentation allows the trigger voltage to be reduced while keeping the leakage current through each element manageable, as the total leakage is the sum of individual element leakages at lower voltage stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the triggering elements by using a voltage divider configuration that adjusts the voltage across each element. By controlling the voltage distribution through the divider ratio, the trigger voltage can be tuned to a desired low value while maintaining acceptable leakage current levels through proper selection of element characteristics and divider ratios.
2Reliability
If diode chains are used to protect output drivers, then trigger voltage can be reduced, but leakage current becomes excessive at higher supply voltages
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single diode chain where all diodes experience the full supply voltage, the invention segments the voltage detection function across multiple triggering elements with a voltage divider. Each element operates at a fraction of the supply voltage, reducing the leakage current through each element while still achieving the desired low trigger voltage through the combined effect of the segmented structure.
3Reliability
If transient detection circuits are used to trigger at low voltage, then trigger voltage can be reduced, but the circuit becomes more complex and consumes more area
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage divider circuit with multiple triggering elements serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides voltage level detection, current limiting, and trigger voltage adjustment without requiring separate transient detection circuitry. This multi-functionality reduces overall circuit complexity while achieving low trigger voltage 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
The solution allows for flexible adjustment of trigger voltage within a desired range while maintaining low leakage current, preventing latch-up and reducing area requirements, effectively addressing the limitations of prior ESD protection circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage divider coupled between the first voltage potential and the second voltage potential. The voltage divider is coupled to at least one of the triggering element to control triggering voltage of the triggering circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An improved ESD protection circuit having an ESD device and a triggering device to provide a continuously adjustable trigger voltage. This can be accomplished by various techniques such as placing a selected number of triggering elements in series, modifying the gate control circuitry and varying the size of the triggering elements.