Integrated ESD Diode Structure for Solid-State Emitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional approaches for mitigating electrostatic discharge (ESD) in solid-state lighting (SSL) devices, such as connecting a protection diode, require additional connection steps and can compromise the electrical integrity of the SSL device, necessitating a more reliable and cost-effective solution.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electrostatic discharge device directly onto a solid-state emitter, using materials from the same epitaxial substrate, forms a parallel diode structure that provides protection against ESD without separate attachment or additional connection steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protection diode is connected to the SSL device to mitigate ESD effects, then the device gains ESD protection capability, but additional connection steps are required and electrical integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ESD protection function with the SSL device structure by integrating a protection diode directly into the device. The protection diode is formed using the same epitaxial substrate and sharing common contact structures, eliminating the need for separate attachment and additional connection steps while maintaining ESD protection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The epitaxial substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the foundation for the SSL device and as the substrate for the protection diode. The common contact structures serve dual purposes for both the SSL device operation and ESD protection, reducing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If a protection diode is connected to the SSL device to mitigate ESD effects, then the device gains ESD protection capability, but the electrical integrity of the structure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the protection diode into the SSL device structure with shared contact structures and common epitaxial substrate, the patent eliminates separate connections that could compromise electrical integrity. The unified structure ensures consistent electrical performance while providing ESD protection
3Reliability
If conventional ESD protection approaches are used with separate protection diodes, then ESD protection is provided, but material costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protection diode and SSL device are manufactured together in an integrated structure using the same epitaxial substrate and fabrication processes. This eliminates separate manufacturing steps, reduces material waste, and simplifies the overall manufacturing process while ensuring ESD protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the same epitaxial substrate material for both the SSL device and the protection diode, ensuring material homogeneity. This approach simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for different materials and reduces overall material costs
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 integrated approach enhances the reliability and manufacturability of SSL devices by reducing material costs and eliminating the need for additional connection steps, while effectively protecting the devices from ESD damage.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic discharge device 250 formed on a solid state emitter 202
Data Source
AI summary
Solid state transducer devices having integrated electrostatic discharge protection and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a solid state transducer device includes a solid state emitter, and an electrostatic discharge device carried by the solid state emitter. In some embodiments, the electrostatic discharge device and the solid state emitter share a common first contact and a common second contact. In further embodiments, the solid state lighting device and the electrostatic discharge device share a common epitaxial substrate. In still further embodiments, the electrostatic discharge device is positioned between the solid state lighting device and a support substrate.