Sorry, this page is no longer available
Sorry, this page is no longer available
Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Phillip Allen

The objective of this course is to understand how to efficiently and accurately apply ESD protection from an analog/mixed signal IC designers viewpoint. The approach will be to understand ESD protection cells, understand ESD influence on circuit components, apply a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog/mixed signal circuits, understand the physical aspects of ICs on ESD, and to avoid common mistakes in ESD protection.

Read more

The objective of this course is to understand how to efficiently and accurately apply ESD protection from an analog/mixed signal IC designers viewpoint. The approach will be to understand ESD protection cells, understand ESD influence on circuit components, apply a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog/mixed signal circuits, understand the physical aspects of ICs on ESD, and to avoid common mistakes in ESD protection.

The terminology used in this course is that found in analog and mixed-signal IC design practice. An understanding of integrated circuit components; transistors, resistors, capacitors, etc., is assumed.

The course consist of 16 lectures with a quiz following each lecture. The course will take approximately 10 hours to complete including the quizzes.

This course should be taken by analog and/or mixed signal designers who want to be able to efficiently and effectively provide ESD protection for their designs.

If the student has completed the course and is interested in a copy of the notes, they can be downloaded from Dropbox. To get the link, contact the instructor at [email protected].

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand esd concepts and esd protection
  • Apply esd protection to analog/mixed signal ics
  • Understand the co-design of analog/mixed signal circuits and esd protection

Syllabus

Understand the ESD basics, standards, models, and testing.

This lecture is an overview of the topic of ESD protection and how it applies to analog and mixed signal IC designs.

Read more

This quiz covers lecture 1 and is five multiple-choice questions. Select the best answer to each question.

This lecture will cover the various ESD standards and the models that are used in ESD protection. The various ESD models will be compared.

This quiz consists of five multiple choice questions. Select the choice that best answers the question or statement.

This lecture covers the topic of ESD testing. It includes ESD failures, ESD testing procedures and simplifications, ESD test issues and methods, transmission line pulse testing, and testing and circuit interaction.

This quiz is multiple choice and consists of 5 questions. Pick the single choice that best represents your answer or response to the questions/statement.

This lecture covers the general considerations of applying ESD protection at a systems level.

This lecture is the first of two lectures on ESD protection devices and will classify ESD clamps, examine their performance, and provide nomenclature used in the field.

This quiz is multiple choice and consists of 5 questions. Pick the single choice that best represents your answer or response to the questions/statement.

This lecture will describe the influence of technology on ESD protection, ESD modeling, and ESD simulation.

This lecture continues the previous one and discusses active clamps and compares the breakdown (snapback) clamps with active clamps.

This lecture describes the methods and approach to protect various types of analog and mixed signal outputs from ESD stress.

This lecture will provide an understanding of the influence of technology on ESD protection, the challenges of ESD modeling, and how to undertake simulation of ESD events.

This lecture will help you understand and apply ESD protection to analog and mixed signal circuit inputs.

This lecture will help the student to understand and apply ESD protection to bipolar inputs, diode connected MOSFETs, large inverters, gate tie-offs, EEPROMs, and charge pump/regulator inputs.

This concluding lecture gives sevenl examples of ESD problems based on actual circumstances.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on ESD protection from the perspective of analog/mixed signal IC designers, making it highly relevant for professionals in this specialized field
Assumes a foundational understanding of integrated circuit components like transistors, resistors, and capacitors, which is appropriate for the target audience
Covers the co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog/mixed signal circuits, which is a practical skill for IC designers
Explores the physical aspects of ICs related to ESD, which is crucial for effective ESD protection in real-world applications
Includes a lecture on the influence of technology on ESD protection, ESD modeling, and ESD simulation, which is important for staying current in the field
Requires contacting the instructor via email to obtain a copy of the notes, which may present a slight inconvenience for some students

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Esd protection for analog designers

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation in ESD concepts and protection techniques from the perspective of an analog or mixed-signal IC designer. Students particularly appreciate the instructor's deep knowledge and clear explanations of complex topics. Many found the content directly applicable to their professional work, highlighting its practical relevance. While generally well-paced and comprehensive, some felt the prerequisites were significant and the material might be challenging for those without prior analog design experience. Overall, it's considered a valuable resource for targeted professionals.
Requires background in analog/mixed-signal design.
"This course is definitely for experienced analog/mixed-signal designers, not beginners."
"You need a good understanding of IC components and circuits before taking this."
"Without prior analog design knowledge, this course might be difficult to follow."
"It assumes a certain level of familiarity with the subject matter."
Provides a solid base in ESD for designers.
"It gives a solid foundation on ESD protection from a designer's point of view."
"I feel I have a much better understanding of ESD basics and standards now."
"This course is excellent for building core knowledge in ESD."
"Provided a good overview and fundamental understanding of ESD."
Materials and lectures are clear and easy to follow.
"The lectures are well-structured and easy to understand."
"The course material is clear and concise, making it easy to learn the subject."
"I thought the way the concepts were explained was very clear."
"Great clarity in the course materials."
Course content is highly relevant for IC designers.
"This course provided very useful information directly applicable to analog/mixed-signal IC design."
"The practical examples helped illustrate how to apply ESD protection in real-world scenarios."
"I found the concepts and techniques taught immediately useful in my daily work."
"It offers great insights for anyone involved in IC design who needs to consider ESD."
Instructor is highly knowledgeable and explains clearly.
"The instructor is very knowledgeable and presented the material clearly."
"Excellent course. The instructor's knowledge and delivery make complex topics understandable."
"I appreciated the instructor's clear explanations; it helped me grasp the concepts well."
"His explanations of complex ESD topics are very easy to follow."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in ESD - An Analog Design Viewpoint with these activities:
Review Basic Semiconductor Physics
Strengthen your understanding of semiconductor physics to better grasp the behavior of transistors and other components under ESD stress.
Browse courses on Semiconductor Physics
Show steps
  • Review textbook chapters on semiconductor materials and device operation.
  • Work through example problems related to carrier transport and device characteristics.
  • Summarize key concepts and equations for quick reference.
Study 'Electrostatic Discharge Protection: For Integrated Circuits'
Deepen your understanding of ESD protection mechanisms and design considerations by studying a dedicated textbook.
Show steps
  • Focus on chapters related to analog circuit protection.
  • Pay attention to the discussion of different ESD protection devices.
  • Relate the concepts to the course material.
Read 'ESD Design and Analysis Handbook'
Gain a deeper understanding of ESD design principles and best practices by studying a comprehensive handbook.
View The ESD Handbook on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters relevant to analog and mixed-signal IC design.
  • Take notes on key concepts and design techniques.
  • Try to apply the techniques to example circuits.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Simulate ESD Events on Simple Circuits
Reinforce your understanding of ESD protection by simulating ESD events on basic analog circuits using SPICE or similar tools.
Show steps
  • Build simple circuit models with and without ESD protection.
  • Simulate ESD strikes using appropriate models (e.g., HBM, CDM).
  • Analyze the simulation results to evaluate the effectiveness of the protection.
Create a Presentation on ESD Protection Strategies
Solidify your knowledge by creating a presentation summarizing different ESD protection strategies for analog/mixed-signal ICs.
Show steps
  • Research different ESD protection techniques.
  • Organize the information into a clear and concise presentation.
  • Include diagrams and examples to illustrate the concepts.
  • Present the material to a peer or colleague for feedback.
Design an ESD-Protected Amplifier
Apply your knowledge by designing an amplifier circuit with integrated ESD protection, considering layout and component selection.
Show steps
  • Select an amplifier topology and design its basic parameters.
  • Incorporate ESD protection devices into the design.
  • Simulate the circuit with and without ESD events.
  • Optimize the design for both performance and ESD robustness.
Create an ESD Protection Layout Guide
Develop a practical guide outlining layout techniques for minimizing ESD vulnerability in analog/mixed-signal ICs.
Show steps
  • Research best practices for ESD-aware layout.
  • Create a document with clear guidelines and illustrations.
  • Cover topics such as device placement, routing, and grounding.
  • Share the guide with other designers for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete ESD - An Analog Design Viewpoint will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Integrated Circuit Designer
An integrated circuit designer creates the schematics and layout of integrated circuits. This course, with its focus on ESD protection from an analog and mixed signal IC designer's perspective, is directly relevant to this role. It helps a circuit designer understand how to efficiently provide ESD protection for designs, an important aspect of ensuring the reliability and robustness of integrated circuits. The integrated circuit designer understands ESD protection cells, understands ESD influence on circuit components, and applies a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog/mixed signal circuits. Furthermore, they understand the physical aspects of ICs on ESD, and avoid common mistakes in ESD protection.
Analog Circuit Designer
An analog circuit designer specializes in designing analog circuits, which are essential components in many electronic devices. This course is specifically tailored for analog designers who need to understand ESD protection. The analog circuit designer will be able to apply ESD protection to analog and mixed signal integrated circuits. The course helps them understand the terminology used in analog and mixed signal IC design practice. It also helps in understanding ESD protection cells, understanding ESD influence on circuit components, applying a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog or mixed signal circuits, understanding the physical aspects of integrated circuits on ESD, and avoiding common mistakes in ESD protection.
Mixed Signal Circuit Designer
A mixed signal circuit designer works on circuits that combine both analog and digital components. This course directly benefits a mixed signal circuit designer by providing a comprehensive understanding of ESD protection in this context. As a mixed signal circuit designer, it is important to understand how to efficiently and effectively provide ESD protection for particular designs. The mixed signal circuit designer understands ESD protection cells, understands ESD influence on circuit components, and applies a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog or mixed signal circuits. The course also helps to understand the physical aspects of integrated circuits on ESD, and to avoid common mistakes in ESD protection.
Semiconductor Device Engineer
A semiconductor device engineer is involved in the design, development, and manufacturing of semiconductor devices. This course helps the semiconductor device engineer understand ESD protection which is crucial for ensuring the reliability of semiconductor devices. The course emphasizes how to efficiently and accurately apply ESD protection from an analog or mixed signal IC designer's viewpoint. For example, the semiconductor device engineer will understand ESD concepts, understand ESD protection, be able to apply ESD protection to analog and mixed signal integrated circuits, and understand the co-design of analog and/or mixed signal circuits and ESD protection.
Hardware Engineer
A hardware engineer designs and develops physical components of computer systems and other electronic devices. Understanding ESD protection is essential for hardware engineers to ensure the longevity and reliability of the hardware they design. The hardware engineer understands ESD protection cells, understands ESD influence on circuit components, and applies a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog or mixed signal circuits. The course also helps to understand the physical aspects of integrated circuits on ESD, and to avoid common mistakes in ESD protection. This course helps hardware engineers who design or work with integrated circuits to protect components against damage.
Electrical Engineer
An electrical engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical equipment and systems. Electrical engineers working with integrated circuits benefit from understanding ESD protection principles. The electrical engineer understands ESD protection cells, understands ESD influence on circuit components, and applies a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog or mixed signal circuits. The course also helps to understand the physical aspects of integrated circuits on ESD, and to avoid common mistakes in ESD protection. Having knowledge of ESD protection allows an electrical engineer to design more robust and reliable systems.
Product Engineer
A product engineer works to improve and refine manufacturing processes for electronic products. The product engineer understands ESD protection cells, understands ESD influence on circuit components, and applies a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog or mixed signal circuits. The course also helps to understand the physical aspects of integrated circuits on ESD, and to avoid common mistakes in ESD protection. Understanding ESD protection from an analog or mixed signal IC designer's viewpoint helps the product engineer address manufacturing issues related to ESD sensitivity.
Test Engineer
A test engineer develops and implements testing procedures for electronic components and systems. Given that this course covers ESD testing, models, and standards, it may be useful for test engineers who specialize in integrated circuit testing or reliability. This course helps a test engineer to understand ESD protection cells, understand ESD influence on circuit components, and apply a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog or mixed signal circuits. The test engineer also understands the physical aspects of integrated circuits on ESD, and avoids common mistakes in ESD protection. Understanding ESD testing methodologies and failure analysis contributes to the test engineer's expertise.
Failure Analysis Engineer
A failure analysis engineer investigates the causes of failures in electronic devices. Since the course covers ESD failures and testing, this course may be useful for a failure analysis engineer. Understanding ESD protection from an analog and mixed signal IC designer's perspective is highly relevant. The failure analysis engineer understands ESD protection cells, understands ESD influence on circuit components, and applies a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog/mixed signal circuits. The course also helps to understand the physical aspects of integrated circuits on ESD, and to avoid common mistakes in ESD protection. This knowledge will aid in identifying ESD as a potential cause of failure.
Quality Assurance Engineer
A quality assurance engineer ensures that products meet certain quality standards. This course may be useful for a quality assurance engineer working with integrated circuits. By understanding ESD protection and its implications, a quality assurance engineer can better assess the reliability and robustness of integrated circuit designs. In this career, the quality assurance engineer understands ESD protection cells, understands ESD influence on circuit components, and applies a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog/mixed signal circuits. The course also helps to understand the physical aspects of integrated circuits on ESD, and to avoid common mistakes in ESD protection.
IC Layout Designer
An IC layout designer translates circuit schematics into physical layouts for integrated circuits. This course may be useful by providing insights into how layout impacts ESD protection. An IC layout designer requires an understanding of the physical aspects of ICs and how they relate to ESD. The IC layout designer can then apply this knowledge to avoid common mistakes in ESD protection. The IC layout designer understands ESD protection cells, understands ESD influence on circuit components, and applies a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog/mixed signal circuits.
Application Engineer
An application engineer provides technical support and guidance to customers using a company's products, often in the semiconductor or electronics industry. This course may be useful for application engineers who support customers using analog or mixed-signal ICs, as it gives a specific understanding of ESD protection strategies. The application engineer understands ESD protection cells, understands ESD influence on circuit components, and applies a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog/mixed signal circuits. Furthermore, they understand the physical aspects of ICs on ESD, and avoid common mistakes in ESD protection.
System on Chip Designer
A System on Chip designer integrates various components into a single chip. This course may be useful by ensuring the designer applies efficient ESD protection to analog/mixed signal designs. This course helps a system on chip designer to understand ESD protection cells, understand ESD influence on circuit components, and apply a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog or mixed signal circuits. The system on chip designer also understands the physical aspects of integrated circuits on ESD, and avoids common mistakes in ESD protection.
Research and Development Engineer
A research and development Engineer researches and develops new products and technologies in the engineering sector. This course may be useful as it provides specialized knowledge of ESD protection from the perspective of analog/mixed signal IC design. The research and development engineer understands ESD protection cells, understands ESD influence on circuit components, and applies a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog or mixed signal circuits. The research and development engineer understands how to avoid common mistakes in ESD protection.
Electronic Design Automation Engineer
An electronic design automation engineer develops software tools used in the design and verification of electronic systems, particularly integrated circuits. This course may be useful for those working on tools related to circuit simulation or reliability analysis, as it covers ESD models and simulation. The electronic design automation engineer understands ESD protection cells, understands ESD influence on circuit components, and applies a co-design approach to combining ESD protection with analog or mixed signal circuits. Understanding ESD concepts helps the electronic design automation engineer improve modeling and simulation capabilities.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in ESD - An Analog Design Viewpoint.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of ESD protection techniques for integrated circuits. It covers various ESD phenomena, protection devices, and design methodologies. valuable reference for understanding the practical aspects of ESD protection and applying them to real-world designs. It is commonly used by industry professionals.
Provides a detailed explanation of ESD phenomena and protection techniques in integrated circuits. It covers various ESD models, protection devices, and design considerations. This book is particularly useful for understanding the underlying physics of ESD and how to design effective protection circuits. It useful reference tool for analog designers.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser