Microsemi Launches SM14LV1.7C Line of Adjustable TVSs

Microsemi Corp. (Irvine, CA) has launched the first in its new line of self-programmable transient voltage suppressors for use in low-voltage clamping applications. Microsemi's new SM14LV1.7C is designed to reduce I/O line transients that exceed the bus or rail voltage to less than half those margins of its earlier transient protection methods. Previously, Microsemi offered multiple voltage variations of a given product targeted at multiple bus voltages. Microsemi believes that the new SM14LV concept allows the company to develop a roadmap that has fewer products handling the wide range of voltage requirements.

The series is offered in a 14-pin SOIC and can provide bi-polar protection for up to 10 I/O lines. Other size configurations can also be provided. The series can be used to protect RS422, RS423 and RS485 data lines from ESD, and can operate with minimal clamping-voltage levels of 0.5V to 1.7V above rail-voltage, depending on the surge current.

“We have leaned on our military and aerospace heritage once again and have used a concept originally developed in battery bypass circuits to now serve as a programmable low-voltage ESD protection device,” stated Mick McKeighan, vice president and general manager of the transient protection products group. “We believe that this device will provide greater flexibility for future ESD protection circuit technology. As we simplify our solutions for designers, we increase our volumes by using one device to virtually replace as many as 12 different products.”

The SM14LV1.7C will be available for sampling by August 2001, and production quantities will be available by November 2001.