Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) package having a spark gap feature for electro static discharge protection is disclosed. The IC package includes an integrated circuit package substrate. An integrated circuit die is placed on the package substrate. Also on the package substrate are a first lead trace connected to the integrated circuit die and a second lead trace adjacent the first lead trace. The second lead trace is also connected to the integrated circuit die. The second lead trace has a spark gap feature allowing at least a portion of electro static spike on the second lead trace to jump to the first lead trace. The spark gap feature can be implemented in various ways including a protrusion from the second lead trace to the first lead trace, the protrusion having a sharp vertex proximal to the first lead trace.

Abstract: Circuit for generating a spread spectrum clock (CGSSC) that employs a mechanism to modulate the input voltage (V_ctrl) to the VCO to achieve dithering. The CGSSC includes a voltage controller oscillator (VCO) that generates an output signal (F_out). The VCO includes an input coupled to a voltage control node for receiving a voltage signal and an output for generating a clock signal that has a frequency dependent on the received voltage signal. A VCO input voltage modulation mechanism (VIVMM) is coupled to the voltage control node (V_ctrl) for modulating or adjusting the voltage at the VCO input voltage node in a controlled manner to generate a spread spectrum clock.