The radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) electrostatic discharge (ESD) circuit
includes a transformer balun, an impedance matching circuit and a clamping circuit.
The balun is operably coupled to transpose a single-ended radio frequency (RF)
signal and differential RF signal. The balun includes a 1st winding
that is coupled to the single-ended radio frequency signals and a 2nd winding
that is coupled for differential RF signals. The impedance matching circuit is
coupled to the 1st winding and provides, in conjunction with the impedance
of the balun, impedance matching with an antenna coupled to the RFIC. The clamping
circuit is operably coupled to the balun and/or to the impedance matching circuit
and, in combination with the impedance matching circuit and/or in combination with
the balun, provides ESD protection for the receiver section and/or transmitter
section of the radio frequency integrated circuit.