Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe a semiconductor device implementing the reduced-surface-field (RESURF) effect. The semiconductor device comprises a source/drain region having a plurality of isolation regions interleaved with source/drain extension regions. A gate electrode is formed on the semiconductor device, where the gate electrode includes gate finger elements formed over the isolation regions to induce capacitive coupling. The gate finger elements enhance the depletion of the source/drain extension regions, thus inducing a higher breakdown voltage.

Abstract: A circuit for enabling the discharge of electric charge in an integrated circuit is described. The circuit comprises an input/output pad coupled to a first node; a first diode coupled between the first node and a ground node; a transistor coupled in parallel with the first diode between the first node and ground node; and a resistor coupled between a body portion of the transistor and the ground node. A method of enabling the discharge of electric charge is also described.

Abstract: A second conduction-type MIS transistor in which a source is coupled to a second power source over the surface of a first conduction-type well and a drain is coupled to the open-drain signal terminal is provided. A second conduction-type first region is provided at both sides of the MIS transistor in parallel with a direction where the electric current of the MIS transistor flows and coupled to the open-drain signal terminal. The whole these components are surrounded by a first conduction-type guard ring coupled to the second power source and the outside surrounded by the first conduction-type guard ring is further surrounded by a second conduction-type guard ring coupled to a first power source. Thereby, the semiconductor device is capable of achieving ESD protection of an open-drain signal terminal having a small area and not providing a protection element between power source terminals.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an n-type first doped region for receiving an external voltage, an n-type second doped region and a p-type third doped regions all formed in a p-type substrate, and is configured to have a first threshold voltage for forward conduction between the first and second doped regions, and a second threshold voltage for forward conduction between the first and third doped regions. A current is drained by flowing through the first doped region, the substrate and the second doped region if the external voltage is greater than the first threshold voltage or by flowing through the third doped region, the substrate and the first doped region if the external voltage is less than the second threshold voltage.

Abstract: An partially depleted Dieler LDMOSFET transistor (100) is provided which includes a substrate (150), a drift region (110) surrounding a drain region (128), a first well region (107) surrounding source region (127), a well buffer region (106) separating the drift region and first well region to at least partly define a first channel region, a gate electrode (118) formed over the first channel region having a source-side gate edge aligned with the first well region (107), an LDD extension region (120) extending from the source region to the channel region, and a dielectric RESURF drain extension structure (161) formed at the drain of the gate electrode (118) using the plurality of STI stripes (114).

Abstract: In an embodiment, a circuit-protection device has first and second circuit-protection units, each comprising first and second nodes. A gate is between the first nodes of first and second circuit-protection units. The first nodes of first and second circuit-protection units are on a common active region.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) includes a semiconductor substrate having the first conductive type, a well having the first conductive type, a buried layer having the second conductive type and a well having the second conductive type. The buried layer having a second conductive type is disposed in the semiconductor substrate under the well having the first conductive type. The well having the second conductive type disposed to divide the well having the first conductive type into a first well and a second well. The well having the second conductive type contacts the buried layer, and the well having the second conductive type and the buried layer are jointly used to isolate the first well from the second well.

Abstract: A semiconductor device structure including a substrate, a resistor, and a first gate structure is provided. The substrate includes a resistor region and a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistor region. The resistor is disposed on the substrate within the resistor region. The resistor includes a first dielectric layer, a metal layer, a second dielectric layer, and a semiconductor layer sequentially stacked on the substrate. The first gate structure is disposed on the substrate within the MOS transistor region. The first gate structure includes the first dielectric layer, the metal layer, and the semiconductor layer sequentially stacked on the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection diode that is formed on an input/output pad of an integrated circuit (IC), the ESD protection diode including: an N-type semiconductor that constitutes a first diode and is connected to a pad for a power supply voltage; a P-type semiconductor that constitutes the first diode and is connected to a signal line; an N-type semiconductor that constitutes a second diode and is connected to the signal line; a P-type semiconductor that constitutes the second diode and is connected to a pad for grounding; and a third diode that is formed by contacting the N-type semiconductor of the first diode and the P-type semiconductor of the second diode.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure, including forming a channel in a first portion of a semiconductor layer and forming a doped extension region in a second portion of the semiconductor layer abutting the channel on a first side and abutting an insulator material on a bottom side. The first portion of the semiconductor layer is thicker than the second portion of the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: In a method for producing an electronic component, a substrate is doped by introducing doping atoms. In the doped substrate, at least one connection region of the electronic component is formed by doping with doping atoms. Furthermore, at least one additional doped region is formed at least below the at least one connection region by doping with doping atoms. Furthermore, at least one well region is formed in the substrate by doping with doping atoms in such a way that the well region doping is blocked at least below the at least one additional doped region.

Abstract: A high-voltage integrated circuit device has formed therein a high-voltage junction terminating region that is configured by a breakdown voltage region formed of an n-well region, a ground potential region formed of a p-region, a first contact region and a second contact region. An opposition section of the high-voltage junction terminating region, whose distance to an intermediate-potential region formed of a p-drain region is shorter than those of other sections, is provided with a resistance higher than those of the other sections. Accordingly, a cathode resistance of a parasitic diode formed of the p-region and the n-well region increases, locally reducing the amount of electron holes injected at the time of the input of a negative-voltage surge. As a result, an erroneous operation or destruction of a logic part of a high-side circuit can be prevented when the negative-voltage surge is applied to an H-VDD terminal or a Vs terminal.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes memory, logic and capacitor structures on a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. In one embodiment, the device includes a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate having a memory region and a logic region. Trench capacitors are present in the memory region and the logic region, wherein each of the trench capacitors is structurally identical. A first transistor is present in the memory region in electrical communication with a first electrode of at least one trench capacitor that is present in the memory region. A second transistor is present in the logic region that is physically separated from the trench capacitors by insulating material. In some embodiments, the trench capacitors that are present in the logic region include decoupling capacitors and inactive capacitors. A method for forming the aforementioned device is also provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor device equally turns on the parasitic bipolar transistors in the finger portions of the finger form source and drain electrodes when a surge voltage is applied, even with the P+ type contact layer surrounding the N+ type source layers and the N+ type drain layers connected to the finger form source and drain electrodes. A P+ type contact layer surrounds N+ type source layers and N+ type drain layers. Metal silicide layers are formed on the N+ type source layers, the N+ type drain layers, and a portion of the P+ type contact layer. Finger form source electrodes, finger form drain electrodes, and a P+ type contact electrode surrounding these finger form electrodes are formed, being connected to the metal silicide layers respectively through contact holes formed in an interlayer insulation film deposited on the metal silicide layers.

Abstract: Methods of electrically programming a diffusion resistor by using trapped charge in a trapped charge region adjacent to the resistor to vary the resistance of the resistor, and the resistor, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a diffusion resistor in a substrate; forming a trapped charge region adjacent to the diffusion resistor; and adjusting a resistance of the diffusion resistor by controlling the trapped charge in the trapped charge region.

Abstract: Structures and methods are provided for nanosecond electrical pulse anneal processes. The method of forming an electrostatic discharge (ESD) N+/P+ structure includes forming an N+ diffusion on a substrate and a P+ diffusion on the substrate. The P+ diffusion is in electrical contact with the N+ diffusion. The method further includes forming a device between the N+ diffusion and the P+ diffusion. A method of annealing a structure or material includes applying an electrical pulse across an electrostatic discharge (ESD) N+/P+ structure for a plurality of nanoseconds.

Abstract: Bi-directional blocking voltage protection devices and methods of forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a protection device includes an n-well and first and second p-wells disposed on opposite sides of the n-well. The first p-well includes a first P+ region and a first N+ region and the second p-well includes a second P+ region and second N+ region. The device further includes a third P+ region disposed along a boundary of the n-well and the first p-well and a fourth P+ region disposed along a boundary of the n-well and the second p-well. A first gate is disposed between the first N+ region and the third P+ region and a second gate is disposed between the second N+ region and the fourth P+ region. The device provides bi-directional blocking voltage protection during high energy stress events, including in applications operating at very low to medium swing voltages.

Abstract: A transistor may include a semiconductor region such as a rectangular doped silicon well. Gate fingers may overlap the silicon well. The gate fingers may be formed from polysilicon and may be spaced apart from each other along the length of the well by a fixed gate-to-gate spacing. The edges of the well may be surrounded by field oxide. Epitaxial regions may be formed in the well to produce compressive or tensile stress in channel regions that lie under the gate fingers. The epitaxial regions may form source-drain terminals. The edges of the field oxide may be separated from the nearest gate finger edges by a distance that is adjusted automatically with a computer-aided-design tool and that may be larger than the gate-to-gate spacing. Dummy gate finger structures may be provided to ensure desired levels of stress are produced.

Abstract: Provided is a high voltage semiconductor device that includes a PIN diode structure formed in a substrate. The PIN diode includes an intrinsic region located between a first doped well and a second doped well. The first and second doped wells have opposite doping polarities and greater doping concentration levels than the intrinsic region. The semiconductor device includes an insulating structure formed over a portion of the first doped well. The semiconductor device includes an elongate resistor device formed over the insulating structure. The resistor device has first and second portions disposed at opposite ends of the resistor device, respectively. The semiconductor device includes an interconnect structure formed over the resistor device. The interconnect structure includes: a first contact that is electrically coupled to the first doped well and a second contact that is electrically coupled to a third portion of the resistor located between the first and second portions.

Abstract: An Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) protection device is formed in an isolated region of a semiconductor substrate. The ESD protection device may be in the form of a MOS or bipolar transistor or a diode. The isolation structure may include a deep implanted floor layer and one or more implanted wells that laterally surround the isolated region. The isolation structure and ESD protection devices are fabricated using a modular process that includes virtually no thermal processing. Since the ESD device is isolated, two or more ESD devices may be electrically “stacked” on one another such that the trigger voltages of the devices are added together to achieve a higher effective trigger voltage.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) device is described, including a gate line, a source region at a first side of the gate line, a comb-shaped drain region disposed at a second side of the gate line and having comb-teeth parts, a salicide layer on the source region and the drain region, and contact plugs on the salicide layer on the source region and the drain region. Each comb-teeth part has thereon, at a tip portion thereof, at least one of the contact plugs.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an input/output pad, and a data transfer unit configured to form a parasitic diode between the input/output pad and a power supply terminal thereof to discharge an introduced electrostatic discharge (ESD), and form a data transfer path between the input/output pad and an internal circuit in response to a control signal.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device is provided. The ESD protection device includes an epitaxy layer disposed on a semiconductor substrate. An isolation pattern is disposed on the epitaxy layer to define a first active region and a second active region, which are surrounded by a first well region. A gate is disposed on the isolation pattern. A first doped region and a second doped region are disposed in the first active region and the second active region, respectively. A drain doped region is disposed in the first doped region. A source doped region and a first pick-up doped region are disposed in the second doped region. A source contact plug having an extended portion connects to the source doped region. A ratio of an area of the extended portion covering the first pick-up doped region to an area of first pick-up doped region is between zero and one.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a vertical MOS transistor including a semiconductor substrate having a silicon pillar, a gate electrode formed along a sidewall of the silicon pillar, a gate insulating film formed between the gate electrode and the silicon pillar, an upper diffusion layer formed on the top of the silicon pillar, and a lower diffusion layer formed lower than the upper diffusion layer in the semiconductor substrate; and a pad electrically connected to the lower diffusion layer. Breakdown occurs between the lower diffusion layer and the semiconductor substrate when a surge voltage is applied.

Abstract: An electro-static discharge protection circuit includes: a PNPN junction, a P-type side of the PNPN junction being coupled to a terminal, an N-type side of the PNPN junction being coupled to ground; and a P-type metal oxide semiconductor transistor, a source and a gate of the P-type metal oxide semiconductor transistor being coupled to an N-type side of a PN junction whose P-type side coupled to the ground, and a drain of the P-type metal oxide semiconductor transistor being coupled to the terminal.

Abstract: A structure for protecting an integrated circuit against electrostatic discharges, including a device for removing overvoltages between first and second power supply rails; and a protection cell connected to a pad of the circuit including a diode having an electrode, connected to a region of a first conductivity type, connected to the second power supply rail and having an electrode, connected to a region of a second conductivity type, connected to the pad and, in parallel with the diode, a thyristor having an electrode, connected to a region of the first conductivity type, connected to the pad and having a gate, connected to a region of the second conductivity type, connected to the first rail, the first and second conductivity types being such that, in normal operation, when the circuit is powered, the diode is non-conductive.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a self-protected electrostatic discharge field effect transistor (SPESDFET). In the SPESDFET embodiments, a resistance region is positioned laterally between two discrete sections of a deep source/drain region: a first section that is adjacent to the channel region and a second section that is contacted. The second section of the deep source/drain region is silicided, but the first section adjacent to the channel region and the resistance region are non-silicided. Additionally, the gate structure can be either silicided or non-silicided. With such a configuration, the disclosed SPESDFET provides robust ESD protection without consuming additional area and without altering the basic FET design (e.g., without increasing the distance between the deep source/drain regions and the channel region).

Abstract: The invention discloses an ESD protection circuit, comprising a P-type substrate; an N-well formed on the P-type substrate; a P-doped region formed on the N-well, wherein the P-doped region is electrically connected to an input/output terminal of a circuit under protection; a first N-doped region formed on the P-type substrate, the first N-doped region is electrically connected to a first node, and the P-doped region, the N-well, the P-type substrate, and the first N-doped region constitute a silicon controlled rectifier; and a second N-doped region formed on the N-well and electrically connected to a second node, wherein a part of the P-doped region and the second N-doped region constitute a discharging path, and when an ESD event occurs at the input/output terminal, the silicon controlled rectifier and the discharging path bypass electrostatic charges to the first and second nodes respectively.

Abstract: A semiconductor body includes a protective structure. The protective structure (10) includes a first and a second region (11, 12) which have a first conductivity type and a third region (13) that has a second conductivity type. The second conductivity type is opposite the first conductivity type. The first and the second region (11, 12) are arranged spaced apart in the third region (13), so that a current flow from the first region (11) to the second region (12) is made possible for the limiting of a voltage difference between the first and the second region (11, 12). The protective structure includes an insulator (14) that is arranged on the semiconductor body (9) and an electrode (16) that is constructed with floating potential and is arranged on the insulator (14).

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a resistor and a voltage protection device. The resistor has a spiral shape. The resistor has a first portion and a second portion. The voltage protection device includes a first doped region that is electrically coupled to the first portion of the resistor. The voltage protection device includes a second doped region that is electrically coupled to the second portion of the resistor. The first and second doped regions have opposite doping polarities.

Abstract: A single package arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a set of electronic components. The arrangement also includes a set of input/output (I/O) cells, which is encapsulated within the set of electronic components. The arrangement further includes a set of electrostatic discharge (ESD) arrangements. Each ESD arrangement of the set of ESD arrangements is configured for at least coupling with an I/O cell of the set of I/O cells and protecting the I/O cell from the electrostatic discharge using a set of ESD constructs. The set of ESD constructs includes at most two non-configurable ESD constructs to protect the I/O cell from the electrostatic discharge.

Abstract: A laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor transistor. The laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor transistor includes a substrate, a drain formed thereon, a source formed on the substrate, comprising a plurality of individual sub-sources respectively corresponding to various sides of the drain, a plurality of channels formed in the substrate between the sub-sources and the drain, a gate overlying a portion of the sub-sources and the channels, and a drift layer formed in the substrate underneath the drain.

Abstract: A semiconductor power device having shielded gate structure integrated with a trenched clamp diode formed in a semiconductor silicon layer, wherein the shielded gate structure comprises a shielded electrode formed by a first poly-silicon layer and a gate electrode formed by a second poly-silicon layer. The trenched clamp diode is formed by the first poly-silicon layer. A shielded gate mask used to define the shielded gate is also used to define the trenched clamp diode. Therefore, one poly-silicon layer and a mask for the trenched clamp diode are saved.

Abstract: A boosting circuit unit supplies a boosting voltage to one terminal of a backlight. A boosting comparator compares a voltage applied to the other terminal of the backlight with a predetermined reference voltage value, and outputs a comparison result as a feedback signal reflecting the boosting voltage to the boosting circuit unit. An LED driver unit is connected to the other terminal of the backlight and supplies drive current to the backlight. An acquisition unit acquires a PWM signal, which is generated based on the content of a video signal and can be used to change the luminance of the backlight. An LPF unit outputs a time-averaged signal of the acquired PWM signal as a control signal to be supplied to the LED driver unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a well region within a substrate. A plurality of transistors is formed within and/or over the well region. The method further includes forming a first discharge device within the substrate. The first discharge device is coupled to the well region and a low voltage node. During subsequent processing, the first discharge device discharges charge from the well region.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated device in which electrostatic discharge damage can be reliably prevented, includes a semiconductor substrate in which an electrostatic protection circuit including a second diffusion region surrounding a first diffusion region as a local region is formed in a main surface; a metal pad opposed to the main surface; and a conductive bump formed so as to face a top surface of the metal pad, wherein in a surface opposed to the metal pad of the conductive bump, a projection which is in contact with the metal pad is provided in a range opposed to the first diffusion region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power supply line in which a voltage drop generated in a resistance component of a metal line which delivers a power voltage is minimized so that the level of the power supply voltage delivered to a semiconductor chip becomes constant in the entire area of the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip includes: at least two power supply pads to which a power voltage applied from an external unit of the semiconductor chip is supplied; power supply main metal lines connected to each of the power supply pads; power supply branch metal lines extended from each of the power supply main metal lines to deliver a power voltage to a circuit in the semiconductor chip; and at least an electrostatic discharge (ESD) improvement dummy pad, wherein the ESD improvement dummy pad is electrically connected to the corresponding power supply main metal line and the corresponding power supply branch metal line to minimize a voltage drop.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a gate structure, a source structure and a drain structure. The substrate includes a deep well region, and the gate structure is disposed on the deep well region. The source structure is formed within the deep well and located at a first side of the gate structure. The drain structure is formed within the deep well region and located at a second side of the gate structure. The drain structure includes a first doped region of a first conductivity type, a first electrode and a second doped region of a second conductivity type. The first doped region is located in the deep well region; the first electrode is electrically connected to the first doped region. The second doped region is disposed within the first doped region and between the first electrode and the gate structure.

Abstract: A method for reducing areas of high field density in an integrated circuit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a first curvilinear wiring structure in a first interconnect layer of an integrated circuit. A second curvilinear wiring structure may be formed in a second interconnect layer of the integrated circuit, such that the first and second curvilinear wiring structures are substantially vertically aligned. The first curvilinear wiring structure may then be electrically connected to the second curvilinear wiring structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection including a source, a gate, a drain having a drain diffusion, and a diffusion region extending from, or located under, the drain diffusion. The source, the gate, the drain and the diffusion region are located in or on a substrate. The diffusion region is laterally spaced from at least one of the gate or the outer edge of the drain diffusion.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit, suitable for an input stage circuit including a first N channel metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistor, is provided. The ESD protection circuit includes an P channel metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor and an impedance device, in which the PMOS transistor has a source coupled to a gate of the first NMOS transistor, and a drain coupled to a source of the first NMOS transistor, and the impedance device is coupled between a gate of the PMOS transistor and a first power rail to perform a initial-on ESD protection circuit. The ESD protection circuit formed by the PMOS transistor and the resistor is capable of increasing the turn-on speed of the ESD protection circuit and preventing the input stage circuit from a CDM ESD event.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device is disclosed. The electrostatic discharge protection device preferably includes a first transistor, a second transistor, and an electrostatic discharge clamping circuit. The first transistor includes a first drain electrically connected to an input/output pin of a chip, a first source electrically connected to a first voltage input pin of the chip, and a first gate. The first drain is preferably an internally shrunk drain. The second transistor includes a second drain electrically connected to the input/output pin of the chip, a second source electrically connected to a second voltage input pin and a second gate. The electrostatic discharge clamping circuit is electrically connected to the first voltage input pin and the second voltage input pin.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a power integrated circuit device includes a main lateral high-voltage field-effect transistor (HVFET) and an adjacently-located lateral sense FET, both of which are formed on a high-resistivity substrate. A sense resistor is formed in a well region disposed in an area of the substrate between the HVFET and the sense FET. A parasitic substrate resistor is formed in parallel electrical connection with the sense resistor between the source regions of the HVFET and the sense FET. Both transistor devices share common drain and gate electrodes. When the main lateral HVFET and the sense FET are in an on-state, a voltage potential is produced at the second source metal layer that is proportional to a first current flowing through the lateral HVFET.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device including a substrate, a first doped region, a second doped region, and a third doped region, a gate and a plurality of contacts is disclosed. The substrate includes a first conductive type. The first doped region is formed in the substrate and includes a second conductive type. The second doped region is formed in the substrate and includes the second conductive type. The third doped region is formed in the substrate, includes the first conductive type and is located between the first and the second doped regions. The gate is formed on the substrate, located between the first and the second doped regions and comprises a first through hole. The contacts pass through the first through hole to contact with the third doped region.

Abstract: A semiconductor device can output a reference voltage for an arbitrary potential and can detect the voltage of each cell in a battery including multiple cells very precisely. The device includes a depletion-type MOSFET 21 and an enhancement type MOSFET 22, and has a floating structure that isolates depletion-type MOSFET 21 and enhancement type MOSFET 22 from a ground terminal. The depletion-type MOSFET 21 and enhancement type MOSFET 22 are connected in series to each other, wherein the depletion-type MOSFET 21 is connected to high-potential-side terminal and the enhancement type MOSFET 22 is connected to low-potential-side terminal. The semiconductor device having the configuration described above is disposed in a voltage detecting circuit section in a control IC for a battery including multiple cells.

Abstract: In a DIAC-like device that includes an n+ and a p+ region connected to the high voltage node, and an n+ and a p+ region connected to the low voltage node, at least two MOS devices are formed between the n+ and p+ region connected to the high voltage node, and the n+ and p+ region connected to the low voltage node.

Abstract: In the semiconductor device including an ESD protection N-type MOS transistor having a sufficient ESD protective function, a drain region of the ESD protection N-type MOS transistor is electrically connected to a drain contact region via a drain extended region. The drain extended region is provided on a side surface and a lower surface of an ESD protection trench isolation region, and is formed of an impurity diffusion region of the same conductivity type as that of the drain region. The drain contact region is formed of an impurity diffusion region of the same conductivity type as that of the drain region.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device comprises a substrate with a first conductivity, a gate, a drain structure and a source structure. The gate is disposed on a surface of the substrate. The drain structure with a second conductivity type comprises a first doping region with a first doping concentration disposed adjacent to the gate and extending into the substrate from the surface of the substrate, a second doping region extending into and stooped at the first doping region from the surface of the substrate and having a second doping concentration substantially greater than the first doping concentration, and a third doping region disposed in the substrate beneath the second doping region and having a third doping concentration substantially greater than the first doping concentration. The source structure with the second conductivity is disposed in the substrate and adjacent to the gate electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a protection element for protecting a circuit element. The protection element includes source and drain areas created in a semiconductor layer, a gate created on the semiconductor layer, sandwiching a gate insulation film between the gate and the semiconductor layer, a source electrode connected to the surface of the source area and electrically connected to the ground, a drain electrode connected to the surface of the drain area and used for receiving a surge input, and a diode connected between the source electrode and the gate.

Abstract: A gate controlled fin resistance element for use as an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection element in an electrical circuit has a fin structure having a first connection region, a second connection region and a channel region formed between the first and second connection regions. Furthermore, the fin resistance element has a gate region formed at least over a part of the surface of the channel region. The gate region is electrically coupled to a gate control device, which gate control device controls an electrical potential applied to the gate region in such a way that the gate controlled fin resistance element has a high electrical resistance during a first operating state of the electrical circuit and a lower electrical resistance during a second operating state, which is characterized by the occurrence of an ESD event.