ESD protection solutions for space applications

Space applications require custom I/O and ESD protection solutions. Sofics proprietary ESD technology has been used for a number of aerospace projects. Our engineers delivered custom rad-hard ESD devices for TSMC 28nm, 65nm and 130nm CMOS technologies. The cells enable low power design in an extended temperature range. Different concepts are used to enable cold-spare interfaces. Low voltage triggered solutions are available for protection of thin oxide interface circuits.

ESD protection solutions for space applications

We frequently get questions about the applicability of our ESD and I/O solution IP for space applications. Semiconductor devices that are used at high elevation or in space need special attention during the design phase. Sofics technology has been used for a number of aerospace projects. In this article we provide more background and some example cases.

Local ESD protection in analog IOs

The most common ESD protection for I/Os consist of two diodes. To cover all the different stress combinations a rail clamp is required. In this article we discuss another option. For many interfaces a local ESD protection clamp is actually a better option.