High-reliability LDO regulator with built-in SCR-based ESD protection circuit designed for effective peak voltage reduction

Abstract

The LDO regulator and ESD protection circuit are essential circuit configurations for stable voltage provision and high reliability at the IC level. This paper proposes an LDO regulator with a built-in silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) based electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit that can provide optimized voltage for low voltage applications. The proposed LDO regulator can skillfully control the output voltage by forming additional current discharge and supply paths through the dynamic current driving structure. In addition, in this paper, the high reliability of the IC was verified by intentionally exposing it to ESD situations depending on the presence or absence of the ESD protection circuit of the LDO regulator. It was confirmed that the proposed LDO regulator designed in a 0.13μm BCD process was kept an undershoot voltage of 23mV and an overshoot voltage of 21mV for a load current of 300mA. As a result, the proposed LDO regulator with built-in ESD protection circuit was secured high reliability of LDO regulator from ESD situation as well as low peak voltage due to load current.