Abstract: The invention comprises a semiconductor device with protection circuitry and a method of protecting an integrated circuit from electrostatic discharge. One aspect of the invention is a semiconductor device with protection circuitry which comprises an integrated circuit having at least one bond pad. A protection circuit is electrically connected to the bond pad and is operable to prevent damage to the integrated circuit during an electrostatic discharge event. The protection circuit comprises a first MOSFET having a first gate electrode connected in series with a second MOSFET having a second gate electrode wherein the first gate electrode and second gate electrode are commonly controlled in response to an electrostatic discharge event.

Abstract: For quantitatively identifying sensitivities against electrostatic discharge (ESD) and latch-up in an integrated circuit (IC) design (before the actual IC is fabricated), the disclosed computer system and method combine information from the design netlist, the elements model, a safe operating file, and a list of stress simulations, and apply a simulated, quantified ESD event to the design. The observed sensitivities of the design elements to ESD and latch-up are then quantitatively analyzed, critical stress values are judged, and element failures recorded. Finally, element and location lists of sensitivities and failures are output in a specific format.

Abstract: For quantitatively identifying sensitivities against electrostatic discharge (ESD) and latch-up in an integrated circuit (IC) design (before the actual IC is fabricated), the disclosed computer system and method combine information from the design netlist, the elements model, a safe operating file, and a list of stress simulations, and apply a simulated, quantified ESD event to the design. The observed sensitivities of the design elements to ESD and latch-up are then quantitatively analyzed, critical stress values are judged, and element failures recorded. Finally, element and location lists of sensitivities and failures are output in a specific format.