Adaptive Dielectric Thin Film Transistors-A Self-Configuring Device for Low Power Electrostatic Discharge Protection

Large area and flexible electronic systems are widely used in applications such as displays, image sensors, wearable electronics and energy harvesting systems. A key element in many of these systems is the electrostatic discharge protection circuit. The conventional protection circuit uses large aspect-ratio diode connected thin film transistors that offer a low resistance path to the surge current but also does the same to signals during normal system operation resulting in power loss. Here we describe as well as demonstrate the feasibility of a novel idea for electrostatic discharge protection involving an adaptive dielectric thin film transistor that self-configures itself to a low resistance state during an electrostatic discharge event and a high resistance state during normal operation without external control. This results in 1000-10000 times the power savings compared to diode connected TFTs.