High voltage silicon integrated circuits

Up until recently integrated circuits have been synonomous with low voltage applications. The reasons for this are numerous but suffice it to say that the conventional planar IC technology is not conducive to high voltage performance in the individual circuit elements. This paper will describe two modifications of the technology which make high voltage I C s a reality. The restrictions on power dissipation still remain since the power handling capability of an IC as such is primarily determined by chip size and packaging. However, there are many applications for high voltage and low power, and by way of introducing the problems and solutions of such an application, the following simple but useful circuit will be used as a vehicle for discussion.