Low-capacitance TVS diode arrays can replace semiconductor-based CMFs

Optimized for protecting electronic equipment that may experience destructive electrostatic discharges (ESDs), Littelfuse has introduced a new series of low-capacitance TVS diode arrays. The SP814x Series diodes integrate four or six channels of ultra-low-capacitance rail-to-rail diodes and an additional Zener diode to 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 (1pF typ. per I/O), lower series resistance than semiconductor-based devices, and fast response also makes them ideal for protecting electronics with high-speed signal pins, such as HDMI2.0, USB3.0, USB2.0, and IEEE1394. Applications include LCD/PDP TVs, external storage, DVD/Blue-Ray players, desktops/servers, notebooks/tablets, set-top boxes, mobile phones, flash memory cards, and digital cameras. “The SP814x Series offers an economical alternative to semiconductor-based common-mode filters (CMFs), which although perceived to add value, they do not filter unwanted signals or noise fast enough, creating signal integrity problems,” said Tim Micun, product manager for TVS diode arrays, CUI. “For most high-speed interfaces, using such CMF devices means over-specifying and over-spending on circuit protection. Because they have the same compact footprint as CMF devices, SP814x Series TVS diode arrays are an easy, low-cost option that doesn’t compromise ESD protection.”