ESD protection scheme for semiconductor devices having dummy pads

摘要

A semiconductor device formed in a semiconductor substrate for dissipating electrostatic discharge and/or accumulated charge in an integrated circuit is provided. In one embodiment, the device comprises a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of layers of metal lines formed overlying the substrate; a plurality of via plugs through intermetal dielectric layers between the layers of metal lines and wherein the via plugs interconnect the metal lines; and a dummy pad formed over the plurality of layers of metal lines, the dummy pad having a diode connected thereto and to ground for providing a discharge path for the electrostatic discharge and/or accumulated charge.