Semiconductor Device ESD Protection Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of effective solutions for reducing the influence of ESD noise when connecting circuits with different functions in series, which can lead to malfunction and instability in semiconductor devices.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device incorporates separate power supply lines for each circuit, with protection circuits and shield wiring to manage potential fluctuations and electromagnetic interference, preventing direct connection between sensitive terminals and power supply lines to mitigate ESD noise effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fourth terminal is directly connected to the first power supply line, then the protection circuit can quickly discharge ESD current, but the power supply potential fluctuates causing circuit malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system by separating the first power supply line (for normal operation) from the ESD discharge path (through the fourth terminal connected to lead 4). This segmentation allows ESD current to be discharged independently without affecting the stability of the first power supply line potential, thus protecting the first circuit while maintaining clean power supply for normal operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate power supply lines are used for each circuit, then circuit operation stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing separate first and second power supply lines for the first and second circuits respectively. This ensures that potential fluctuations in one circuit's power supply do not affect the other circuit, maintaining stable operation of both circuits independently while managing complexity through systematic separation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shield wiring is added between first wiring and fourth wiring, then electromagnetic noise blocking is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces shield wiring as an intermediary element positioned between the first wiring (carrying sensitive signals) and the fourth wiring (carrying ESD discharge currents). This shield wiring acts as a mediator that blocks electromagnetic noise and prevents coupling between the two wiring paths, reducing interference while maintaining a manageable manufacturing process through standard PCB shielding techniques.
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 configuration stabilizes circuit operation by isolating power supply line fluctuations and blocking electromagnetic noise, thereby preventing malfunctions and ensuring reliable communication between connected circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a first protection circuit that is connected to the third terminal, and discharges a current from the third terminal to a fourth terminal when a potential of the third terminal becomes higher than a first threshold value
Implementation Method 2
since the first shield wiring is disposed between the first wiring and the fourth wiring, it is possible to block electromagnetic waves traveling through a space from the fourth wiring to the first wiring
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a first circuit 1 and a second circuit 2 that are connected in series, a first terminal T1 that applies a first potential to a first power supply line DL1 of the first circuit 1, a second terminal T2 that applies a second potential to a second power supply line DL2 of the second circuit 2, a third terminal T3 that is connected to a signal transfer line of the first circuit 1, and a protection circuit that is connected to the third terminal T3, and discharges a current from the third terminal T3 to a fourth terminal T4 when a potential of the third terminal T3 becomes higher than a first threshold value. The first power supply line DL1 and the second power supply line DL2 are separated, and the fourth terminal T4 is not directly connected to the first power supply line DL1 and is electrically connected to a lead.