5V Protection Device with Flow Through Design For Easy Board Layout from Semtech

The uClamp0524P offers IEC 61000-4-2, level 4 protection on each line to protect sensitive electronics from damage or latch-up due to ESD, lightning, and other voltage-induced transient events. It features very low clamping voltage, no device degradation and large cross-sectional area junctions for conducting high transient currents. The part is the latest addition to Semtech’s MicroClamp ESD protection family, which also includes the uClamp3324P, a 3.3V device with the same characteristics.

The device is differentiated by its flow-through design and 500µm pitch, which allows system designers to route I/O lines together to avoid bends or disruptions in board layout. For 5V lines, only discrete multilayer varistors (MLVs) offer the same convenience, but the uClamp0524P improves upon these devices with lower clamping voltage, no device degradation and without long inductive traces.

The uClamp0524 also reduces the amount of board space required for protection when compared with MLVs. The part is designed for ultra-slim portable designs with a 2.1 x 1.6 x 0.58 mm footprint and replaces four MLVs with one device without the “keep out” area required by MLVs that consumes even more board space. The device uses the company’s leadless SLP packaging technology that is RoHS/WEEE compliant.

“With this part, Semtech can now offer its customers flow-through protection devices for both 5V and 3.3V lines. The design simplicity enabled by these parts is increasingly important, as today’s generation of small handhelds give designers no room for complex I/O line routing,” said Tom Dugan, Semtech's Director of Protection Products. “Protection is increasingly important as there is an increased likelihood of transient discharges given the multiple functions supported by today’s handheld devices.”

The uClamp0524P is available immediately in production quantities and is priced at $0.44 each in 1,000-piece lots. Ordering code is uClamp0524P.TCT.