TVS Diodes Improve Protection of High-Speed Data Interfaces
Infineon Technologies AG has introduced a new series of Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) devices that protect high speed interfaces of electronic systems from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) strikes. The ESD105 series complements Infineon's low capacitance TVS diode portfolio with miniaturized integrated packages and ultimately enables mobile devices that are lighter, faster and more robust. The ESD105 series addresses TVS for the high-speed data interfaces – such as USB 3.0, Gbit Ethernet, Firewire and HDMI links – used in desktop computers, TV sets and portable electronics.
Being located at the surface of a device, these interfaces are especially sensitive to ESD. A mere 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 is not just annoying for equipment users, it can also become a costly problem for manufacturers in case of product recalls and subsequent image problems.
Hence, these data lines require robust protection with the smallest possible package size and lowest device capacitance. With very-low clamping voltage (10V at 8kV) and ultra-low capacitance (C = 0.3pF) the ESD105 TVS diodes (single line) enable 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.
Mobile devices are constantly becoming thinner, lighter and allow for faster data transfer. This increases user comfort but creates additional technical constraints to the designers in terms of robustness, signal quality as well as battery life. The new series provides protection that exceeds the specifications of IEC61000-4-2 in 2-pin packages (0201, 0402). The leakage current is ≤ 20nA, contributing to longer system battery life. A dedicated pad-layout keeps PCB layout simple and minimize parasitic effects.
Continuous miniaturization of integrated circuits (ICs) pushes the required performance improvement. However, it leads to increased sensitivity of the IC regarding ESD events. Dedicated ESD protection devices are necessary to handle the ESD event before the destructive energy enters the IC input/output (I/O) and causes damage. Infineon offers a broad portfolio of TVS diodes and arrays specifically designed to minimize risk of ESD damage across the full range of computing and communications system applications. The ESD105 Series devices and starter kits are now available. The TSSLP-2-4 and TSLP-2-20 packages are fully compliant with RoHS and halogen-free directives.
