David LaFonteese

Title: The Innovative Mind of David LaFonteese

Introduction

David LaFonteese is an accomplished inventor based in Redwood City, California, holding a remarkable total of seven patents. His work primarily focuses on electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection structures, which are essential for safeguarding high voltage circuit components. LaFonteese's innovative contributions significantly enhance the reliability and performance of electronic devices.

Latest Patents

Among his latest innovations are two notable patents. The first is titled "Electrostatic discharge guard ring with snapback protection." This ESD protection structure is designed to provide snapback safeguards for various high voltage circuit components, particularly within a high side gate driver of a driver circuit. The structure incorporates a bipolar transistor that interfaces with a PN junction, effectively discharging ESD current during an event. Its unique design includes a collector region that overlaps the junction, a base region with pinch resistance, and an emitter for current discharge.

The second recent patent is the "Electrostatic discharge guard ring with complementary drain extended devices." Similar to his previous work, this structure offers snapback protection and can also be integrated with high voltage circuits. It features both p-channel and n-channel devices, where the p-channel consists of an n-type barrier region circumscribing a p-type drain region, complemented by an n-type body region. Its strategic positioning next to an n-channel device allows for improved ESD protection.

Career Highlights

David LaFonteese's career is marked by his significant contributions at Texas Instruments Corporation, where he applies his expertise in electronic circuitry and protection mechanisms. His patents not only reflect his ingenuity but also influence advancements in the field of electronics, offering practical solutions to real-world problems.

Collaborations

During his tenure, LaFonteese has collaborated with talented colleagues such as Sunglyong Kim and Seetharaman Sridhar. These partnerships have been instrumental in the successful development of his ESD protection technologies, showcasing the importance of teamwork in driving innovation.

Conclusion

In summary, David LaFonteese stands out as a prolific inventor whose work in electrostatic discharge protection is paving the way for future advancements in the electronics industry. His innovative spirit and dedication to improving circuit reliability continue to make a lasting impact through his patents and contributions at Texas Instruments Corporation.