| The transmission line pulse (TLP) technique has often been called the parametric analyzer for
on-chip ESD protection. The TLP system utilizes rectangular pulses at current levels and time scales
similar to human body model (HBM) events. The rectangular pulse of a TLP system allows the measurement of current-voltage (I-V) curves from which can be extracted a variety of device and circuit parameters. These parameters cannot be measured with the double exponential pulse characteristic of HBM. This tutorial explores the parameters to be measured with a TLP system and discusses the importance of the parameters in the design of on-chip ESD protection circuits. Circuit elements and
circuits that will be discussed include n and p MOS transistors, npn bipolar transistors, diodes, resistors, metal runners, and power supply clamps. Also, variations in the test structure layouts, important for understanding the properties of the technology, will be discussed. |
