Abstract: An electrical switch network having a substantially reduced effective ON-resistance is provided. The electrical switch network includes an input amplifier receiving the input signal at one input, and a first switch having a first terminal connected to the output of the input amplifier and a second terminal connected to a device, such as an integrator circuit, which is to receive the amplified input signal. Two additional switches are connected between a respective terminal of the first switch and a second input of the input amplifier. A pulse signal generator controls the conductive state of the switches such that the first and third switches are in a complementary conductive state with respect to the second switch. The conductive resistance of the second switch is preferably chosen to be equal to or greater than the combined conductive resistance of the first and third switches.

Abstract: An ESD protection circuit, suitable for use as part of an integrated circuit, limits the voltage potential at the contacts of the integrated circuit to a voltage potential difference range relative to, though extending beyond the voltage source potentials of the circuit protected. The ESD protection is effective regardless of whether the integrated circuit is powered. The ESD protection circuit includes a clamp subcircuit for limiting the voltage potential at a clamp point to a first voltage range approximately defined by the voltage source potentials and a voltage offset subcircuit, coupled between the clamp point and an integrated circuit contact, to establish a second voltage range encompassing the first voltage range. The voltage offset subcircuit conducts current between the clamp point and the contact to limit the voltage potential at the contact to the second voltage range.