Electrostatic discharge protection structure including a trigger circuit disconnect switch and methods

A structure comprising:

• an interconnect connected between a first pad and a circuit component;
• and
• an electrostatic discharge protection structure including:
• a trigger circuit having a trigger voltage output node;
• a trigger circuit disconnect switch connected to a second pad, wherein the trigger circuit disconnect switch and the trigger circuit are further connected between the interconnect and a third pad;
• and
• a discharge circuit connected to the trigger voltage output node and further connected between the interconnect and the third pad.

A method comprising:

• closing a trigger circuit disconnect switch of an electrostatic discharge protection structure for a circuit component on a chip, wherein the circuit component is connected by an interconnect to a first pad and wherein the electrostatic discharge protection structure includes:
• a trigger circuit having a trigger voltage output node;
• a trigger circuit disconnect switch connected to a second pad, wherein the trigger circuit disconnect switch and the trigger circuit are further connected between the interconnect and a third pad;
• and
• a discharge circuit connected to the trigger voltage output node and further connected between the interconnect and the third pad;
• and
• when the trigger circuit disconnect switch is closed such that the trigger circuit is disconnected from the interconnect, testing the circuit component.