TVS diodes protect high-speed data interfaces

Protecting high-speed data interfaces, such as USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, Firewire and HDMI links, used in desktop computers, TV sets and portable electronics, the ESD105 series enables engineers to achieve strict requirements for ESD robustness and signal quality of the high-speed interfaces used in the latest generation smartphones and tablet computers.

The ESD105 TVS diodes (single line) provide very-low clamping voltage of 10V at 8kV and ultra-low capacitance of 0.3pF. Offering protection exceeding the specifications of IEC61000-4-2 in 2-pin packages (0201, 0402), the diodes feature leakage current of less than 20nA, contributing to longer system battery life. In order to minimise parasitic effects and reduce PCB layout compexity, a dedicated pad-layout is provided.

Since the high-speed data interfaces are located at the surface of a device, they are especially sensitive to ESD: a touch of the hand can be sufficient to induce an electric current, and the energy generated by the discharge can damage the equipment or even render it completely unserviceable. This can become a costly problem for manufacturers in case of product recalls and subsequent image/branding problems. Therefore, these data lines require robust protection with the smallest possible package size and lowest device capacitance.

Additionally, mobile devices are constantly becoming thinner, lighter and allow for faster data transfer, increasing user comfort but creating additional technical constraints to the designers in terms of robustness, signal quality and battery life. Continuous miniaturisation of ICs improves the required performance improvement, but leads to increased sensitivity of the IC regarding ESD events.This necessitates dedicated ESD protection devices to handle the ESD event before the destructive energy enters the I/O and causes damage.

Supplied in RoHS compliant and halogen-free TSSLP-2-4 and TSLP-2-20 packages, the ESD105 Series devices and starter kits are now available.