Electrostatic discharge protector for an integrated circuit

Abstract

An integrated circuit has functional circuitry coupled to a terminal. An electrostatic discharge protector can be coupled to the terminal to protect the functional circuitry from an electrostatic discharge. A substrate includes a first semiconductor material with a first dopant type. A plurality of drain segments adjoin the substrate. Each of the drain segments has a first conductor, a second conductor, and a third conductor. A central via set in a central region of the drain segment couples the second conductor to the third conductor. A peripheral via set in a peripheral region of the drain segment couples the first conductor to the second conductor. A plurality of source segments adjoin the substrate and laterally interlace with the drain segments. If an electrostatic discharge is detected at the terminal of the integrated circuit, an electrical current of the ESD is directed into the electrostatic discharge protector and distributed substantially uniformly among a plurality of resistive paths in the electrostatic discharge protector.