A Novel Multi-RC-Triggered Power Clamp Circuit for On-Chip ESD Protection

摘要

A novel multi-RC-triggered power clamp circuit is proposed in this chapter. The substitution of CR structure for RC + one phase inverter structure makes the whole circuit smaller and simpler. The nontraditional phase inverter in the turn-on path of M_(big) eliminates the intermediate voltage level that appeared in the circuits of Fig. 2. Both the CR structure and the nontraditional phase inverter are beneficial in prolonging the turn-on time of the clamp transistor. All the above-described aspects are beneficial in promoting the protection robustness of power clamp circuit and the effects are verified by HSPICE simulation.