Patents by Inventor Masuhide Ikeda

Masuhide Ikeda has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11869886
    Abstract: An ESD protection circuit includes a power MOS transistor disposed between a first line and a second line, a clamp circuit disposed between the first line and a first node to which a gate of the power MOS transistor is coupled, a first resistor disposed between the first node and the second line, a MOS transistor disposed between the first node and the second line, a third line supplied with a third potential generated by a constant-voltage circuit of the protection target circuit, and a second resistor and a first capacitor coupled in series between a second node coupled to the third line and the second line, wherein when defining a junction between the second resistor and the first capacitor as a third node, a gate of the MOS transistor is coupled to the third node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Masuhide Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20230155374
    Abstract: A circuit device includes: a first terminal; a second terminal; a first thyristor circuit whose one end is coupled to the first terminal; a second thyristor circuit whose one end is coupled to the second terminal; and a voltage setting circuit that is shared by the first thyristor circuit and the second thyristor circuit and through which a current from the first thyristor circuit when the first thyristor circuit is turned on and a current from the second thyristor circuit when the second thyristor circuit is turned on flow. The voltage setting circuit sets a voltage at other end of the first thyristor circuit to a first voltage when the first thyristor circuit is turned on, and sets a voltage at other end of the second thyristor circuit to a second voltage when the second thyristor circuit is turned on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventor: Masuhide Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20220384420
    Abstract: An ESD protection circuit includes a power MOS transistor disposed between a first line and a second line, a clamp circuit disposed between the first line and a first node to which a gate of the power MOS transistor is coupled, a first resistor disposed between the first node and the second line, a MOS transistor disposed between the first node and the second line, a third line supplied with a third potential generated by a constant-voltage circuit of the protection target circuit, and a second resistor and a first capacitor coupled in series between a second node coupled to the third line and the second line, wherein when defining a junction between the second resistor and the first capacitor as a third node, a gate of the MOS transistor is coupled to the third node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventor: Masuhide IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20220231009
    Abstract: In a static electricity protection circuit, an N+ embedded region is provided, extending over an upper surface of a P-type P semiconductor substrate. One N?-semiconductor region, another N?-semiconductor region, and an N? common impurity region are provided in an upward direction from the N+ embedded region. The one N?-semiconductor region and the other N?-semiconductor region are coupled together via the N? common impurity region. A P? impurity region is provided in the upward direction from the one N?-semiconductor region. Another P? impurity region is provided in the upward direction from the other N?-semiconductor region. A diode formed by the one P? impurity region and the one N?-semiconductor region and a diode formed by the other P? impurity region and the other N?-semiconductor region are coupled in opposite directions to each other via the N? common impurity region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventor: Masuhide Ikeda
  • Patent number: 11233394
    Abstract: An electrostatic protection circuit that is electrically connected to a first terminal to which a first voltage signal is input, a second terminal to which a second voltage signal is input, and a connection terminal that is connected to an external circuit, and mitigates the influence of a surge voltage on an internal circuit, the electrostatic protection circuit including: a first protection circuit that is electrically connected to the first terminal and the second terminal; and a second protection circuit that is electrically connected to the first terminal and the connection terminal, and the second protection circuit including: a first diode element whose anode is electrically connected to the connection terminal, and whose cathode is electrically connected to the first terminal, a thyristor element whose cathode is electrically connected to the connection terminal, a voltage limiting element that is electrically connected to an anode of the thyristor element, and a trigger element that is electrically c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventor: Masuhide Ikeda
  • Patent number: 11190012
    Abstract: An electrostatic protection circuit that is electrically connected to a first terminal to which a first voltage signal is input, a second terminal to which a second voltage signal whose potential is lower than that of the first voltage signal is input, and a connection terminal that is connected to an external circuit, and mitigates the influence of a surge voltage on an internal circuit, the electrostatic protection circuit including: a discharge node that is electrically connected to the first terminal via a first diode element; a first protection circuit that is electrically connected to the first terminal and the second terminal; a second protection circuit that is electrically connected to the discharge node and the connection terminal; and a third protection circuit that is electrically connected to the discharge node and the second terminal, and an anode of the first diode element is electrically connected to the first terminal, and a cathode of the first diode element is electrically connected to the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventor: Masuhide Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20210036512
    Abstract: An electrostatic protection circuit that is electrically connected to a first terminal to which a first voltage signal is input, a second terminal to which a second voltage signal whose potential is lower than that of the first voltage signal is input, and a connection terminal that is connected to an external circuit, and mitigates the influence of a surge voltage on an internal circuit, the electrostatic protection circuit including: a discharge node that is electrically connected to the first terminal via a first diode element; a first protection circuit that is electrically connected to the first terminal and the second terminal; a second protection circuit that is electrically connected to the discharge node and the connection terminal; and a third protection circuit that is electrically connected to the discharge node and the second terminal, and an anode of the first diode element is electrically connected to the first terminal, and a cathode of the first diode element is electrically connected to the
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventor: Masuhide IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20210036513
    Abstract: An electrostatic protection circuit that is electrically connected to a first terminal to which a first voltage signal is input, a second terminal to which a second voltage signal is input, and a connection terminal that is connected to an external circuit, and mitigates the influence of a surge voltage on an internal circuit, the electrostatic protection circuit including: a first protection circuit that is electrically connected to the first terminal and the second terminal; and a second protection circuit that is electrically connected to the first terminal and the connection terminal, and the second protection circuit including: a first diode element whose anode is electrically connected to the connection terminal, and whose cathode is electrically connected to the first terminal, a thyristor element whose cathode is electrically connected to the connection terminal, a voltage limiting element that is electrically connected to an anode of the thyristor element, and a trigger element that is electrically c
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventor: Masuhide IKEDA
  • Patent number: 10396551
    Abstract: This electrostatic protection circuit enables a trigger voltage to be set arbitrarily and enables a high hold voltage to be set, without providing an RC timer having a large circuit area. This electrostatic protection circuit is connected to a first terminal via a first node and is connected to a second terminal via a second node. The electrostatic protection circuit is provided with a plurality of circuit blocks that are connected in series between the first node and the second node, and at least one circuit block out of the plurality of circuit blocks includes a zener diode for setting a trigger voltage. The electrostatic protection circuit enters a conduction state when the potential of the first node becomes higher than the potential of the second node and the voltage between both ends of the circuit block including the zener diode reaches the breakdown voltage of the zener diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masuhide Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10389111
    Abstract: This electrostatic protection circuit enables a high hold voltage to be set, and acts to accurately prevent breakdown of a protected circuit immediately after power on, and to prevent breakdown or deterioration of a protection device during prolonged normal operation, without connecting a resistance element in parallel to a plurality of circuit blocks connected in series. This electrostatic protection circuit is provided with a plurality of circuit blocks connected in series between a first node and a second node, at least one circuit block out of the plurality of circuit blocks including a thyristor having an anode connected to one end of the at least one circuit block and a cathode connected to the other end of the at least one circuit block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masuhide Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10348085
    Abstract: This static electricity protection circuit starts a discharge operation only if an applied voltage is greater than or equal to a set voltage, and protects a discharge circuit also when noise or the like is applied during a normal operation. This static electricity protection circuit includes: a resistor R1 and clamp circuit that are connected in series between nodes N1 and N2; a first transistor that turns on in accordance with an increase in a potential difference generated in the resistor R1; a resistor R2 and capacitor C2 that are connected via a node N4 between the nodes N1 and N2; a second transistor that is connected in series with the first transistor between the nodes N1 and N5; a resistor R3 connected between the nodes N5 and N2; a third transistor connected between the nodes N4 and N2; and a discharge circuit connected between the nodes N1 and N2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masuhide Ikeda
  • Patent number: 9991698
    Abstract: This electrostatic protection circuit makes it possible for a discharge operation to be started only in the case where a rise in an applied voltage is steep, and for static electricity to be sufficiently released. This electrostatic protection circuit includes a discharge circuit that is connected between a first node and a second node and discharges charge produced by static electricity, a latch circuit that is connected between the first node and the second node and outputs a signal that controls operation of the discharge circuit to the discharge circuit, a switch circuit that is connected to the latch circuit and changes the signal that controls operation of the discharge circuit, and a control circuit that is connected between the first node and the second node and outputs a signal that controls operation of the switch circuit to the switch circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masuhide Ikeda
  • Patent number: 9935096
    Abstract: Provided is an electrostatic protection circuit that has little leakage current under normal operation and allows a trigger voltage to be set comparatively freely, without requiring a special process step. This electrostatic protection circuit is provided with a series circuit including a transistor, a predetermined number of diodes and an impedance element that are connected in series between the first node and the second node, and a discharge circuit configured to send current from the first node to the second node following an increase in a potential difference that occurs between both ends of the impedance element, when the first node reaches a higher potential than the second node and current flows through the series circuit. The predetermined number of diodes are connected between the source and the back gate of the transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masuhide Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20170244243
    Abstract: This electrostatic protection circuit enables a trigger voltage to be set arbitrarily and enables a high hold voltage to be set, without providing an RC timer having a large circuit area. This electrostatic protection circuit is connected to a first terminal via a first node and is connected to a second terminal via a second node. The electrostatic protection circuit is provided with a plurality of circuit blocks that are connected in series between the first node and the second node, and at least one circuit block out of the plurality of circuit blocks includes a zener diode for setting a trigger voltage. The electrostatic protection circuit enters a conduction state when the potential of the first node becomes higher than the potential of the second node and the voltage between both ends of the circuit block including the zener diode reaches the breakdown voltage of the zener diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masuhide IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20170244244
    Abstract: This electrostatic protection circuit enables a high hold voltage to be set, and acts to accurately prevent breakdown of a protected circuit immediately after power on, and to prevent breakdown or deterioration of a protection device during prolonged normal operation, without connecting a resistance element in parallel to a plurality of circuit blocks connected in series. This electrostatic protection circuit is provided with a plurality of circuit blocks connected in series between a first node and a second node, at least one circuit block out of the plurality of circuit blocks including a thyristor having an anode connected to one end of the at least one circuit block and a cathode connected to the other end of the at least one circuit block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masuhide IKEDA
  • Patent number: 9716382
    Abstract: The present electrostatic protection circuit includes: a series circuit that is connected between a first node and a second node and includes a first impedance element and a clamp element connected to each other by a third node; a first transistor that is connected between the first node and a fourth node and turns on in accordance with an increase in voltage generated in the first impedance element; a second impedance element connected between the fourth node and the second node; a second transistor that turns on in accordance with an increase in voltage generated in the second impedance element, and increases current flowing in the first impedance element; and a discharge circuit that allows current to flow from the first node to the second node when the second transistor is in an on state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masuhide Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20170179106
    Abstract: Provided is an electrostatic protection circuit that has little leakage current under normal operation and allows a trigger voltage to be set comparatively freely, without requiring a special process step. This electrostatic protection circuit is provided with a series circuit including a transistor, a predetermined number of diodes and an impedance element that are connected in series between the first node and the second node, and a discharge circuit configured to send current from the first node to the second node following an increase in a potential difference that occurs between both ends of the impedance element, when the first node reaches a higher potential than the second node and current flows through the series circuit. The predetermined number of diodes are connected between the source and the back gate of the transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masuhide IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20170063080
    Abstract: This static electricity protection circuit starts a discharge operation only if an applied voltage is greater than or equal to a set voltage, and protects a discharge circuit also when noise or the like is applied during a normal operation. This static electricity protection circuit includes: a resistor R1 and clamp circuit that are connected in series between nodes N1 and N2; a first transistor that turns on in accordance with an increase in a potential difference generated in the resistor R1; a resistor R2 and capacitor C2 that are connected via a node N4 between the nodes N1 and N2; a second transistor that is connected in series with the first transistor between the nodes N1 and N5; a resistor R3 connected between the nodes N5 and N2; a third transistor connected between the nodes N4 and N2; and a discharge circuit connected between the nodes N1 and N2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masuhide IKEDA
  • Patent number: 9520716
    Abstract: The following are included: a series circuit that is connected between a first node and a second node and includes an impedance element and a capacitor connected to each other by a third node; a first transistor that is connected between the first node and a fourth node and turns on in accordance with an increase in voltage generated in the impedance element; a voltage divider circuit that divides voltage between the fourth node and the second node; a second transistor that turns on in accordance with an increase in the divided voltage and increases current flowing in the impedance element; a detection circuit that activates an output signal upon detection of an on state of the second transistor; and a discharge circuit that allows current to flow from the first node to the second node when the output signal of the detection circuit is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masuhide Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20160149403
    Abstract: This electrostatic protection circuit makes it possible for a discharge operation to be started only in the case where a rise in an applied voltage is steep, and for static electricity to be sufficiently released. This electrostatic protection circuit includes a discharge circuit that is connected between a first node and a second node and discharges charge produced by static electricity, a latch circuit that is connected between the first node and the second node and outputs a signal that controls operation of the discharge circuit to the discharge circuit, a switch circuit that is connected to the latch circuit and changes the signal that controls operation of the discharge circuit, and a control circuit that is connected between the first node and the second node and outputs a signal that controls operation of the switch circuit to the switch circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masuhide IKEDA