Output driver device with electrostatic discharge protection

摘要

An output driver device (10) includes a first output transistor (12) and a second output transistor (14) coupled to a bias transistor (16). The bias transistor (16) is coupled to a ground potential. The first output transistor (12) is coupled to a first output pad (18) and the second output transistor (14) is coupled to a second output pad (20). The output driver device (10) has a direct non-metal path to ground potential from either the first output pad (18) or the second output pad (20). In this manner, an electrostatic discharge device on either the first output pad (18) or the second output pad (20) can be absorbed through the first output transistor (12) or the second output transistor (14), respectively, and through the bias transistor (16) without damaging the output driver device (10).