ESD-resistant electronic detonator

Abstract

A pyrotechnic device such as an electronic detonator having an electrical connection provided between a conductive (e.g., metal) shell or external ground and an ESD-protective structure within the circuitry, for example in an integrated circuit chip. The ESD-protective structure may include any suitable means such as an integrated silicon controlled resistor or a diode.

1 . An electronic detonator for use in mining or blasting comprising: 
 a) a ground;    b) an igniter;    c) electrical circuitry connected to said igniter; and,    d) a ground connector connected to said electrical circuitry and to said ground.    
   
   
       2 . (canceled)  
   
   
       3 . The electronic detonator of  claim 1 , further comprising a metallic enclosure.  
   
   
       4 . The electronic detonator of  claim 3 , wherein said metallic enclosure is a detonator shell, wherein said detonator shell is said ground.  
   
   
       5 . The electronic detonator of  claim 1 , wherein said electrical circuitry includes an integrated circuit chip, and said ground connector is connected to said integrated circuit chip.  
   
   
       6 . The electronic detonator of  claim 5 , wherein said integrated circuit chip includes an ESD-protective structure.  
   
   
       7 . The electronic detonator of  claim 4 , wherein said electrical circuitry includes an integrated circuit chip, and said ground connector is connected to said integrated circuit chip.  
   
   
       8 . The electronic detonator of  claim 7 , wherein said integrated circuit chip includes an ESD-protective structure.  
   
   
       9 . The electronic detonator of  claim 1 , further comprising encapsulation surrounding at least part of said electrical circuitry.  
   
   
       10 . The electronic detonator of  claim 4 , further comprising encapsulation surrounding at least part of said electrical circuitry.  
   
   
       11 . The electronic detonator of  claim 9 , wherein said ground connector extends through said encapsulation.  
   
   
       12 . The electronic detonator of  claim 11 , wherein said electrical circuitry includes an integrated circuit chip, and said ground connector is connected to said integrated circuit chip.  
   
   
       13 . (canceled)  
   
   
       14 . The electronic detonator of  claim 6 , wherein said integrated circuit chip includes a ground pin, and said ground connector is connected to said chip at said ground pin.  
   
   
       15 . The electronic detonator of  claim 8 , wherein said integrated circuit chip includes a ground pin, and said ground connector is connected to said integrated circuit chip at said ground pin.  
   
   
       16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . The electronic detonator of  claim 1 , wherein said ground connector is a simple metallic lead.  
   
   
       18 . The electronic detonator of  claim 17 , wherein said electronic detonator.  
   
   
       19 . (canceled)  
   
   
       20 . An electronic detonator for use in mining or blasting comprising: 
 a) a metallic detonator shell;    b) an igniter;    c) electrical circuitry connected to said igniter and including an integrated circuit chip having an ESD-protective structure and a ground pin;    d) encapsulation surrounding at least part of said electrical circuitry; and,    e) a ground connector connected to said ground pin and to said detonator shell and extending through said encapsulation, wherein said ground connector is a simple metallic lead.