ESD AND ELECTRIC SURGE PROTECTED CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME

摘要

A circuit and process is provided for protecting a device from the detrimental effects of electro-static discharge (ESD). The circuit includes an ESD breakdown device that is used to activate a current drawdown device. When a voltage exceeding the ESD breakdown device's breakdown voltage is applied, a signal is generated that causes the current drawdown device to pump current to ground. In this way, the effects of the ESD charge are substantially reduced. In one example, the ESD breakdown device is a reverse biased diode, and the current drawdown circuit includes a Darlington circuit. When an ESD surge causes the diode to breakdown, a signal is applied to the Darlington circuit, which pumps the ESD current safely to ground.