National Semiconductor Corporation

Saurabh Vats

Kenneth J Carroll

An integrated electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuitry for a signal electrode. Coupled in shunt between the signal electrode and the positive and negative power supply electrodes are opposing sets of multiple diodes coupled in series. Each set includes a diode across which is applied a nominal reverse bias voltage. These opposing reverse bias voltages are maintained at substantially constant predetermined nominal magnitudes in relation to the voltage at the signal electrode, thereby ensuring minimal leakage current via the signal electrode over the full dynamic range of the signal.

Integrated electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuitry for signal electrode

An operational amplifier in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes folded cascode transistors and a self-biased common-mode feedback circuit coupled to the folded cascode transistors. The operational amplifier can include an output stage coupled to the self-biased common-mode feedback circuit and the folded cascode transistors.

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Mountain View, CA, United States of America

Saurabh Vats