1 Answers
The best way to handle ESD protection when an IO pad shares space with an analog signal is to keep proper isolation between the ESD devices and the analog routing. We all know that ESD diodes can inject noise into nearby sensitive analog lines. So, I usually add guard rings and deep N-well isolation around the analog routing.
For example, in one of my mixed-signal projects, the IO pad for an ADC input was close to the analog line. I placed the ESD diode at the pad edge but surrounded the analog path with an N+ guard ring tied to ground. This kept the noise and ESD current from affecting my signal integrity.
Please login or Register to submit your answer