Definition
Circuit and device structures designed to conduct, clamp or redirect electrostatic-discharge current so that transient voltage and current stress at protected IC nodes remains below damaging levels.
Application
Implemented at I/O pads, power rails and sensitive internal nodes using protection diodes, clamps, thyristor-type structures or other discharge paths, and verified as part of IC robustness and reliability design.
Related search terms
ESD protection; on-chip ESD protection; ESD clamp
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Related concepts
Evidence and further reading
- Evidence from nist.govhttps://www.nist.gov/publications/electrostatic-discharge-protection-embedded-sensor-systems-chip
- Evidence from analog.comhttps://www.analog.com/en/resources/technical-articles/hfta160-esd-protection-for-bipolar-integrated-circuits.html