Unidirectional TVS diode arrays offer small footprint and protection from ESD

Littelfuse has two new series of AEC-Q101-qualified, unidirectional TVS Diode Arrays optimised to protect I/O and power ports against ESDs. SP1053 and SP1054 Series TVS Diode Arrays (SPA Diodes) integrate avalanche breakdown diodes manufactured using proprietary silicon avalanche technology to protect each pin. These devices allow the unique advantages of being hermetically sealed and unidirectional in compact, 01005-format plastic packages; both of these points are claimed to be firsts in the TVS diode array market. These robust diodes can safely absorb repetitive ESD strikes at ±8kV (for SP1053) or ±30kV (for SP1054) without performance degradation. Also, each diode can safely withstand 1.0A (for SP1053), and 2.5A (for SP1054) surges at a very low clamping voltage. Typical applications for SP1053 and SP1054 Series TVS Diode Arrays include smartphones, mobile phones, camcorders, digital cameras, portable medical devices, portable navigation components, wearable technology, tablets, point-of-sale terminals and identification modules. “Unidirectional diodes like the SP1053 and SP1054 Series should always be the preferred solution for protecting I/O and power ports from ESD damage because the content on these lines is unipolar,” said Tim Micun, business development manager, TVS Diode Arrays (SPA Diodes) at Littelfuse. “Unlike other devices with this footprint, which are either bare silicon or bare silicon covered by an oxide, the SP1053 and SP1054 Series’ hermetically sealed plastic packages protect them against abrasion, temperature cycling and moisture.”