ESD Devices for Input/Output Protection

Abstract

As discussed in Chapter 2, ESD is a very high current event. Therefore, ESD protection circuits should be able to handle a large amount of current without being destroyed. A number of semiconductor devices can be used to safely sink (source) this current; hence can be used as ESD protection circuit. In this chapter, some of the most important devices that are used in CMOS ESD protection circuits are discussed. Unlike conventional MOS transistors, the ability to carry large current is the most important design attribute of these devises.