ESD - An Analog Design Viewpoint

Learn to effectively implement ESD protection for analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs) with this comprehensive course. This training is designed for analog IC designers and mixed-signal IC designers seeking to confidently and efficiently safeguard their designs against electrostatic discharge.

This course provides a practical, hands-on approach to ESD protection from the perspective of an IC designer. You'll gain a deep understanding of:

• ESD Protection Cells: Explore the inner workings and application of various ESD protection circuits.
• ESD Impact on Circuit Components: Analyze how ESD events affect key analog and mixed-signal components like transistors, resistors, and capacitors.
• Co-design for ESD Protection: Master a collaborative design approach, integrating ESD protection seamlessly with your analog and mixed-signal circuits.
• Physical Aspects of ICs and ESD: Understand the physical characteristics of integrated circuits and their influence on ESD susceptibility.
• Avoiding Common ESD Mistakes: Learn to identify and prevent frequent pitfalls in ESD protection design.

The course utilizes terminology common in analog IC design and mixed-signal IC design practice. A foundational knowledge of integrated circuit components (transistors, resistors, capacitors, etc.) is expected.

The course consists of 16 lectures, each followed by a quiz to reinforce learning. Estimated completion time is approximately 10 hours, including quiz time.

Download Course Notes: Upon completion, access course notes via Dropbox. Contact the instructor at pallen@ece.gatech.edu for the download link. This course is essential for anyone aiming to reliably and efficiently provide robust ESD protection in their analog and mixed-signal IC designs.