Transformer based ESD protection

摘要

A method for co-designing an electrostatic discharge protection circuit with an analog circuit is presented. The analog circuit comprises a plurality of functional components with predetermined electric properties for achieving a predetermined analog performance. At least one of said functional components is an inductor. The method comprises the steps of coupling an ESD inductor with said inductor such that an ESD transformer is formed providing ESD protection to said analog circuit. The inductors are preferably designed in a common area, for example on top of each other or interleaved. Further, analog circuits designed according to the method are presented, for example a low noise amplifier, a power amplifier and an oscillator.