Multi-port ESD protection using bi-directional SCR structures

A novel approach for the ESD protection of analog circuits using a pad-to-pad network is proposed and validated by numerical simulation and experimental data. The network is formed by inter-linked bi-directional SCR's. This network provides a space saving solution to the requirement for providing ESD protection for arbitrary pin-to-pin combinations, and is especially attractive for small analog circuits in bipolar and BiCMOS technologies.

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