Patent attributes
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit is provided. A detector is coupled between a first input-output pad and a second input-output pad and detects the voltage levels of the first and second input-output pads to generate a detection signal. A inverter generates a control signal according to the detection signal. A control element is coupled between the first input-output pad and a first node. A current release element is coupled between the first node and the second input-output pad. When the detection signal is at a specific level, the control element and the current release element provide a discharge path to release an ESD current from the first input-output pad to the second input-output pad. When the detection signal is not at the specific level, the control element and the current release element do not provide a discharge path.
