US4949212A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Circuit configuration for protecting an integrated circuit
Assignee: Siemens AG
•
Filing: 1989-02-15
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Granted: 1990-08-14
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Expires: 2009-02-15
Abstract
Abstract A circuit configuration for protecting an integrated circuit from damage by a voltage present at an output exceeding the supply voltage range of the integrated circuit includes a given number of parasitic circuit structures of the integrated circuit. Additional circuit structures combined with the parasitic circuit structures form a protective circuit. The circuit structures are activated by the voltage at the output to become operative for protection.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Lenz
- 👤 Frank-Lothar Schwertlein
- 👤 Wolfgang Horchler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 11:07
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/08; H03K17/081; H03K17/0812; H03K17/08126; H10; H10D; H10D84/00; H10D84/60; H10D84/63
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
Circuit configuration for protecting an integrated circuit from damage by a voltage present at an output exceeding the supply voltage range of the integrated circuit, comprising a given number of parasitic circuit structures of the integrated circuit, including parasitic lateral protective npn-transistor structures, wherein a collector-emitter path of said parasitic lateral protective npn-transistor structures is connected in parallel with a given npn-transistor structure of the integrated circuit, said parasitic lateral protective npn-transistor structures being activated by the voltage at the output exceeding the supply voltage range.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
Circuit configuration for protecting an integrated circuit from damage by a voltage present at an output exceeding the supply voltage range of the integrated circuit, comprising a given number of parasitic circuit structures of the integrated circuit, including parasitic lateral protective npn-transistor structures, wherein a collector-emitter path of said parasitic lateral protective npn-transistor structures is connected in parallel with a given npn-transistor structure of the integrated circuit, said parasitic lateral protective npn-transistor structures being activated by the voltage at the output exceeding the supply voltage range.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
Circuit configuration according to claim 1, including parasitic protective transistor structures formed by a given number of circuit structures in combination with at least one parasitic diode structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
Circuit configuration according to claim 1, wherein said circuit structures form lateral parasitic circuit structures.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
Circuit configuration according to claim 1, wherein the collector-to-emitter path of a parasitic protective transistor structure is connected in parallel with the base-to-emitter path of a given transistor structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
Circuit configuration according to claim 1, wherein a parasitic protective transistor structure triggers another given circuit structure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
Circuit configuration according to claim 1, including a diode structure additionally integrated into the circuit and connected in the blocking direction between the output and a positive supply potential.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
Circuit configuration according to claim 1, including a diode structure additionally integrated into the circuit and connected in the blocking direction between a negative operating potential and the output.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
Circuit configuration according to claim 1, including a diode structure additionally integrated into the circuit and connected in the blocking direction between the output and ground.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4775912A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-08-13 | 1994-02-12 | 1994-08-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-08-13 | 1998-02-12 | 1998-08-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-08-13 | 2002-02-12 | 2002-08-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |