Discharge circuits, devices and methods

A packaged module comprising:

• a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components;
• and
• a switching device implemented on the packaging substrate, the switching device including a switching assembly implemented on the substrate and including a first electrode having a beam with a contact pad and a second electrode, the switching assembly configured to be in a first state in which the contact pad is disengaged from the second electrode or in a second state in which the contact pad is engaged with the second electrode, the switching assembly further configured to provide activation when a sufficient voltage difference exists between the beam and a gate, the activation resulting in the contact pad of the first electrode engaging the second electrode, the switching device further including a discharge circuit having a first spark element electrically connected with the first electrode and a second spark element electrically connected with the second electrode, the first and second spark elements arranged in a non-contacting manner with each other and configured such that an electrical discharge arc is directed between the first and second spark elements instead of being directed through the contact pad.

An electronic device comprising:

• an integrated circuit for processing a signal;
• and
• a switch circuit configured to support the processing of the signal, the switch circuit including a switching device having a switching assembly with a first electrode having a beam with a contact pad and a second electrode, the switching assembly configured to be in a first state in which the contact pad is disengaged from the second electrode or in a second state in which the contact pad is engaged with the second electrode, the switching assembly further configured to provide activation when a sufficient voltage difference exists between the beam and a gate, the activation resulting in the contact pad of the first electrode engaging the second electrode, the switching device further including a discharge circuit having a first spark element electrically connected with the first electrode and a second spark element electrically connected with the second electrode, the first and second spark elements arranged in a non-contacting manner with each other and configured such that an electrical discharge arc is directed between the first and second spark elements instead of being directed through the contact pad.