Patent Filed for Method of Protecting Optoelectronic Devices Against Electrostatic Discharges

Strategic Insights -

Scientists at Teche and Voiron, FR, have developed a method for protecting optoelectronic devices against electrostatic discharges, as detailed in a patent filed on October 7, 2020, and published online on October 14, 2025. The inventors, Xavier Hugon, Frederic Mayer, Frederic Mercier, Ivan-Christophe Robin, have devised a system to safeguard optoelectronic devices, particularly during manufacturing, using electrostatic discharge protection circuits integrated into the wafers. This innovation aims to address the limitations of previous systems, enabling mass production at a lower cost.

Key Takeaways:

  • The patent, filed on October 7, 2020, and published on October 14, 2025, details a method for protecting optoelectronic devices against electrostatic discharges using integrated electrostatic discharge protection circuits.
  • The inventors, Xavier Hugon, Frederic Mayer, Frederic Mercier, and Ivan-Christophe Robin, aim to overcome the limitations of previous systems by providing a cost-effective method for manufacturing optoelectronic devices.
  • The method involves forming first and second wafers with the electronic and optoelectronic circuits, bonding them together, and then separating the devices to disable the protection circuit.
  • The protection system comprises an electrostatic discharge protection circuit electrically coupled to the electronic and optoelectronic components, which is interrupted upon separation.
  • The method can be implemented in various materials, including metallic and non-metallic conductive materials, such as doped silicon.
  • The patent has been assigned to Aledia, a company based in Echirolles, France.

Statistics:

  • The patent, U.S. Patent Number 12444699, was filed on October 7, 2020.
  • The patent was published online on October 14, 2025.
  • The inventors have proposed a method for protecting optoelectronic devices against electrostatic discharges.
  • The method involves the use of integrated electrostatic discharge protection circuits, which are electrically coupled to the electronic and optoelectronic components.

Sources:

  • Hugon, Xavier. Method for protecting an optoelectronic device from electrostatic discharges. U.S. Patent Number 12444699, filed October 7, 2020, and published online on October 14, 2025.
  • Patent URL (for desktop use only): https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(12444699)&db=USPAT&type=ids