MicroClamp Multiline ESD Protection Devices

Aug 16, 2004 2:25 PM
Edited by PETech Staff

Semtech Corp. has announced the expansion of its MicroClamp family of ultrasmall transient voltage suppressors (TVS). Three new multiline devices provide designers with easily implemented solutions for protection of critical circuits in cell phones, PDAs, digital music players and other portable electronic devices from electrostatic discharge (ESD).

The new MicroClamp devices include the µClamp 0504A with protection for up to four unidirectional lines, the µClamp0505A with protection for up to five unidirectional lines or four bidirectional lines, and the µClamp0506A with protection for up to five bidirectional lines.

All MicroClamp devices feature a unique combination of low clamping voltage levels and small package size which allows them to protect even the most sensitive CMOS circuits while minimizing the board space consumed. MicroClamp devices are placed in between the protected circuit and the sources of potential ESD, including such interfaces as keyboards, LED drivers, battery chargers, power or headphone connectors. During an ESD event, the TVS becomes a low-impedance path protecting the circuit by diverting harmful current to ground.

With their 1.7 mm x 1.7 mm × 0.6 mm, 6-lead SC-89 (SOT-666) package, the new MicroClamp devices occupy roughly half as much board space as competing solutions in industry standard SC-70 package. Semtech is able to produce such a compact footprint thanks to a proprietary manufacturing process that maintains clamping characteristics in a smaller package. Each MicroClamp TVS offers ESD protection in excess of ±8 kV contact, ±15kV air per IEC 61000-4-2 level 4 requirements, an industry ESD standard that must be met by mobile phone manufacturers.

All of the MicroClamp multiline products are now available in production quantities. Pricing information is as follows: µClamp0504A is priced at $0.25 each in 1000-piece lots; µClamp0505A is priced at $0.26 each in 1000-piece lots; µClamp0506A is priced at $0.28 each in 1000-piece lots.

For more information, visit www.semtech.com.

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