ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on a process which is used to implement a new integrated circuit (IC) design in a foundry process and also highlights the challenges with respect to electrostatic discharge (ESD) design. There are three key values related to ESD that need to be considered for each voltage defined for the part. They are: maximum operating voltage (MOV), absolute maximum voltage (AMV), and device destruction voltage (DDV). Taking the MOV, AMV, and DDV together allows one to determine the ESD design window. This is the region where the ESD protection has to trigger into its conductive state and provide the level of protection desired. There are two general types of ESD protections: linear clamps and negative resistance clamps. An early ESD assessment of the process can identify the ESD needs and include them in the business development plan. Identifying these needs early allows for a parallel ESD and product development.
