Transient-Triggered IC Input Pin Isolation Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ESD protection circuits for integrated circuits (ICs) are inadequate in protecting ICs from voltage spikes and transients, especially during programming modes that require higher voltages, leading to potential inadvertent re-programming or poor field retention.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a disconnect element and a control system to electrically isolate an input pin from internal IC components in response to a transient rate of change in the input signal, providing a high impedance barrier to prevent voltage spikes from reaching sensitive circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ESD protection circuits are used to protect IC components from voltage spikes, then protection capability is improved, but the circuits cannot operate during programming modes requiring higher voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect element is configured to be activated in advance by detecting transient characteristics (dv/dt) before the voltage spike can reach and damage the protected component. This preliminary protective action isolates the component proactively rather than reactively, allowing the protection circuit to function before the harmful event occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnect element acts as an intermediary component between the input terminal and the protected component. It mediates the voltage signal by either allowing normal signals to pass through or blocking transient spikes, thus protecting the component without requiring modification of the component itself or the input signal source.
2Adaptability or versatility
If higher voltages are applied at pins for programming mode operation, then programming capability is improved, but vulnerability to voltage spikes and transients increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the characteristics of the input signal. During normal operation and programming modes, the disconnect element remains conductive allowing voltage to pass. When a transient spike is detected through dv/dt characteristics, the element dynamically switches to a non-conductive state, providing adaptive protection that responds to changing conditions in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnect element changes its electrical parameters (conductance) based on the rate of change of the input voltage. By monitoring dv/dt characteristics, the element transitions between conductive and non-conductive states, effectively changing its electrical parameter to either allow programming voltages through or block harmful transients based on the instantaneous rate of voltage change.
3Measurement precision
If disconnect element is triggered by rate of change detection, then protection selectivity is improved, but false triggering during normal operation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses a predetermined threshold for dv/dt that is set to be higher than the maximum rate of change during normal operation but lower than the minimum rate of change during harmful transients. This partial action approach triggers protection only when absolutely necessary, avoiding false positives while ensuring real threats are caught.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the input signal characteristics and provides feedback to the disconnect element. By comparing the actual dv/dt of the input signal against predetermined thresholds, the system intelligently determines whether to activate protection, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that reduces false triggering while maintaining effective protection.
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 mitigates the vulnerability of ICs to voltage spikes and transients by permanently isolating the input pin from internal components, thereby preventing damage and ensuring reliable operation during normal and programming modes.
Implementation Method 1
A control system is configured to cause the disconnect element to transition from the first state to the second state in response to a rate of change of an input signal at the terminal exceeding a predetermined rate of change
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a system for protecting at least one component in an integrated circuit (IC). The system includes a disconnect element that is electrically connected in series between an input terminal of the IC and the at least one component. The disconnect element is configured to have a first state to electrically connect the terminal to the at least one component and a second state corresponding to a high impedance condition that electrically isolates the terminal relative to the at least one component. A control system is configured to cause the disconnect element to transition from the first state to the second state in response to a rate of change of an input signal at the terminal exceeding a predetermined rate of change.