latch-up

A state in which a low-impedance path, resulting from an overstress that triggers a parasitic thyristor structure, persists after removal or cessation of the triggering condition.

NOTE 1 The overstress can be a voltage or current surge, an excessive rate of change of current or voltage, or any other abnormal condition that causes the parasitic thyristor structure to become regenerative.

NOTE 2 Latch-up will not damage the device provided that the current through the low-impedance path is sufficiently limited in magnitude or duration.

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