New Industry Products

Alpha & Omega Semi Introduces High Current Surge Device To Protect Ethernet Ports

June 29, 2009 by Jeff Shepard

Alpha & Omega Semiconductor, Inc. (AOS) announced the release of AOZ8304, which protects high speed 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports from the high current surges that are induced by lightning transients.

The AOZ8304 features what the company describes as an industry-leading combination of low-capacitance and surge protection. The device capacitance is only a typical 3.5pF as measured from the I/O to Ground pins, which minimizes any data line signal distortion effect by inserting this device in the data path. The high 25A surge protection rating meets the IEC61000-4-5 (Lightning) 25A requirement, making this device well suited for applications that require surge protection of Ethernet ports or RJ45 connectors.

"With the ubiquity of LAN enabled products and solutions in commercial and industrial environments, high transient surge protection has become an increased concern for our customers. The introduction of AOZ8304 helps to improve overall system robustness and reliability by reducing the risk of port failures due to lightning transients and the resulting induced high current and voltage surges," said Wayne Eng, Marketing Director for AOS’ TVS products. "The small form factor DFN 2.6 x 2.6 package makes AOZ8304 ideal for space limited applications such as power-over-LAN adapters and integrated LAN connector solutions."

The AOZ8034 was developed using AOS’ advanced 2 ™ technology (Transient Voltage Suppression utilizing Trench Vertical Structures). The device offers a very high level of protection with its ±24kV air and contact discharge ESD rating and very low clamping voltage of 14V at 25A.

The AOZ8304 is housed in a very low profile (0.55mm) and small footprint (2.6 x 2.6mm) halogen-free DFN package.

The AOZ8304 is available immediately in production quantities and priced at $0.73.