C-MOS/SOS LSI input/Output protection networks

An improved input and output electrical surge protection has been developed for C-MOS and MNOS large-scale integrated circuitry fabricated on sapphire. The failure mode was designed to be the input- or output-series limiting diffused resistor, which can be controlled reliably through the fabrication processes. Forward-bias diodes attenuate the overvoltage surges. Failure energies and voltages have been evaluated, and design equations are developed and verified.