Importance

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Abstract

An ESD protection circuit that protects a mixed-voltage input/output (I/O) buffer circuit in an integrated circuit is provided. The ESD protection circuit includes an ESD discharging circuit coupled to the I/O pad and ESD detection circuit coupled to the discharging circuit providing a means for detecting an ESD and triggering the discharging circuit to conduct the ESD to ground. The ESD discharging circuit comprises stacked NMOS transistors or a field oxide device (FOD). The protection circuit can also be used in an ESD protection circuit for a high-voltage-tolerant input pad or to protect multiple input pads and/or multiple I/O pads in an integrated circuit.

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First Claim