Product News

Infineon’s New Circuit Protection Diodes Provide Surge and ESD Protection for Gigabit Ethernet Data Interfaces

Infineon Technologies released a new TVS (Transient Voltage Suppression) diode to protect Gigabit Ethernet interfaces from potential damage due to voltage surge or electrostatic discharge (ESD) events. The new TVS3V3L4U diode features exceptionally low capacitance to meet the high signal integrity requirements of this application, while delivering the robustness and clamping voltage characteristics typical of Infineon’s broad portfolio of circuit protection devices.   TVS diodes respond to potentially damaging electricity surge and ESD events by shunting the unwanted force to a ground state before it can damage delicate system components. Performance requirements for protection of the Gigabit Ethernet interfaces include the following key characteristics: Surge absorption capability of 20A without signs of degradation, meeting requirements of IEC61000-4-5, and high ESD absorption capability of ±30kV that exceeds IEC61000-4-2. Very low clamping voltages of VCL <8V for surge currents of 20A (8/20us). Very low dynamic resistance of RDYN= 0.15Ω I/O-GND (according to surge standard IEC61000-4-5) and 0.09 Ω GND-I/O  (ESD standard IEC61000-4-5) enables extremely low clamping voltages of VCL <6V for 16A TLP current, equivalent to 8kV ESD to IEC61000-4-2. Low capacitance of typically 2.9pF I/O-GND and 1.5pF I/O-I/O to meet the signal integrity requirements of Gigabit Ethernet. Cost-effective implementation in industry-standard SC74 leaded array package, with one component replacing up to four devices. TVS3V3L4U is tailored for protection of signal lines operating up to a maximum voltage of 3.3V. Availability The TVS3V3L4U is now in production. The device is fully compliant with RoHs and halogen-free directives. A further member of the surge protection portfolio in leadless TSLP-2 package (EIA 0402 equivalent) is planned for mass production by end of 2012. The single line diode has bidirectional characteristics and is designed to provide surge protection of signal lines operating at wider voltage range of -3.3V to +3.3V. Samples of this new product are available on request.   For increasing ESD system robustness and faster protection design Infineon offers a comprehensive library of simulation models for TVS Diodes as well as expert’s consultancy supporting an accurate selection of the protection device. Further information on Infineon’s TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diodes is available at www.infineon.com/tvsdiodes

About Infineon Infineon Technologies AG, Neubiberg, Germany, offers semiconductor and system solutions addressing three central challenges to modern society: energy efficiency, mobility, and security. In the 2011 fiscal year (ending September 30), the company reported sales of Euro 4.0 billion with close to 26,000 employees worldwide. Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the over-the-counter market OTCQX International Premier (ticker symbol: IFNNY). Further information is available at www.infineon.com.