ProTek Devices’ TVS arrays thwart USB killer attacks

27th July 2020

Protek Devices

Alex Lynn

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ProTek Devices has introduced TVS arrays capable of guarding against malicious or unsuspecting USB Killer attacks that are proven highly costly to organisations in equipment and data loss. The new component offers circuit protection against positive ESD, fast surge voltage transients, and high negative voltage transients at data lines such as are possible with USB Killer devices.

USB Killers when plugged into a USB port can immediately destroy the device it is attached to and threaten other connected devices. USB Killers have been used to maliciously destroy equipment. However, they can also be an unsuspecting threat when people mistaken them for a common USB memory stick. ProTek Devices’ PRUSB05UBK component is specifically designed to thwart such threats.

The new steering diode / transient voltage suppressor array (TVS array) is ideal for dual USB 2.0 ports, USB 1.0, and the power bus. It is also suited for circuit protection of gigabit ethernet ports, portable electronics, video card interfaces, and DVI interfaces.

The PRUSB05UBK offers ultra-low capacitance CJ(SD) of 2.5pF typical with integrated resistors at each data line. It is compatible with IEC industry standards 61000-4-2 (ESD): air ±15kV, contact ±8kV; with 61000-4-4 (EFT): 40A, 5/50ns; and with 61000-4-5 (surge): 24A, at 8/20 microseconds - level 2 (LineGnd) and level 3 (line-line).

It provides protection for four lines and 500 watts of peak pulse power per line (typical = 8/20 microseconds). ESD protection is rated at up to 25 kilovolts. The new component also provides a low clamping voltage and is RoHS and REACH compliant.

ProTek Devices’ PRUSB05UBK is provided in a molded DFN-14 package with an approximate weight of just 16 milligrams. Other mechanical and packaging characteristics include lead-free pure-tin plating and a solder reflow temperature (pure-tin - Sn, 100) of 260 to 270°C. Operating and storage temperatures are -55 to +150°C. And, the flammability rating is UL 94V-0.

This steering diode / TVS arrays is provided on 16mm tape and reel, per EIA Standard 481, in quantities starting at 1,000 units.