Low capacitance TVS diode arrays provides robust protection from ESD

Littelfuse has introduced two series of low capacitance TVS Diode Arrays optimised for protecting the near field communication circuits of smartphones, tablets and other portable communication products from ESD damage. The SP3118 and SP3130 Series TVS diode arrays include back-to-back TVS diodes fabricated in a proprietary silicon avalanche technology that absorb repetitive ESD strikes safely up to the maximum level specified in the IEC61000-4-2 international standard without performance degradation. Their back-to-back configuration provides symmetrical ESD protection for data lines when AC signals are present. The series provide best-in-class leakage performance when compared with other industry solutions. Low leakage current performance is essential for any component used in battery-operated, power hungry devices. Applications for the series include tablets, ultrabooks, e-readers, smartphones, digital cameras, MP3/PMP players, set-top boxes, portable medical devices, and electronics enabled by near field communication and Felicity Card protocols. “The nominal voltages for the data antenna lines that the SP3118 and SP3130 Series are designed to protect are less than 3V. During antenna mismatch events, the interfaces of these products may experience up to five times the nominal voltage encountered during an NFC handshake,” said Tim Micun, product manager/TVS Diode Arrays. “These new TVS Diode Arrays permit the elevated signal voltages to pass and distinguish them from ESD events.”