TVS diode arrays prevent ESD damage to high-speed interfaces

20th July 2016

Nat Bowers

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Littelfuse has introduced two series of TVS diode arrays (SPA diodes) designed to safeguard many of the latest high-speed interfaces from damage due to ESD. The SP7538P series TVS diode arrays integrate eight channels of ultra-low capacitance rail-to-rail diodes and an additional Zener diode in a µDFN-9 package. The SP0544T series TVS diode arrays have a similar design but are smaller, with four channels of ultra-low capacitance rail-to-rail diodes instead of eight.

Both of these robust device series can safely absorb repetitive ESD strikes above the maximum level specified in the IEC61000-4-2 international standard (±8kV contact discharge) without performance degradation. Their extremely low loading capacitance also makes them suitable for protecting high-speed signal pins.

Typical applications for both series include ESD protection for interfaces like V-By-One, Embedded DisplayPort, USB 2.0/3.0 Ports and HDMI, as well as flat panel displays, LCD/LED TVs, smartphones and mobile computing.

Tim Micun, Product Manager, TVS Diode Arrays (SPA Diodes), commented: “The SP7538P and SP0544T series are appropriate for use in many of the same applications. The SP7538P series is designed to permit straight-through routing for ultra-high-speed signals on DisplayPort and V-by-ONE interfaces, requires no fan out or fan in and mates perfectly with the pitch on the board-to-board connectors. The SP0544T series offers the same level of ESD performance as our earlier low capacitance TVS Diode Arrays, in a smaller outline, offering circuit designers a PCB space savings of roughly 25%.”

The diodes' extremely low loading capacitance of 0.5pF (typical) per I/O reduces signal degradation and distortion for high-speed applications. They offer low dynamic resistance (0.4Ω), which provides low clamping performance to ensure better protection for sensitive chipsets. Their enhanced ESD capability (±12kV contact, ±25kV air) permits manufacturers to achieve ESD protection beyond the maximum level stated in the IEC standard and protects against a multitude of other threats to ensure product reliability in the field.

The SP7538P series is packaged in a μDFN-9 package and the SP0544T series comes in a μDFN-10 package. Both are provided in tape & reel packaging in quantities of 3,000. Sample requests can be placed through authorised Littelfuse distributors worldwide.