Infineon introduced a new series of TVS Diodes (Transient Voltage Suppression). The products improve system’s robustness against electrostatic discharge (ESD) events that can cause serious catastrophic or latent disturbances in consumer electronics products such as smart phones, tablets, eBooks and other portable computers. The silicon devices are specially designed for protection of internal electronic circuits that interface with external connectors like headphone jacks, keypads and touch displays. During routine use, these external connectors can act as entry points for electrostatic discharges (ESD) as they are directly exposed to the external world.

Implemented close to the external interface, the ESD5V3L1B diodes provide a low resistance path to ESD events and shunt the dangerous transient energy away from the downstream IC (Integrated Circuit). Each TVS diode is bidirectional and suited to protect a single line with operating voltages within and up to ±5.3V. The new diodes are particularly suited for protection of audio CODECs (enCOder/DECoder) and human interface devices like keypads, keyboards, convenience buttons and touch screens.

Key parameters for ESD protection

• Efficient protection performance at all ESD severity levels thanks to ultralow clamping voltage and ultralow dynamic resistance of 0.22Ω
• Robust ESD absorption capability of at least ±20,000V contact discharge, exceeding IEC61000-4-2 industry’s standard (8,000V)
• Low leakage current drain that is ideal for application in battery-powered equipment

With semiconductor feature sizes continuing to shrink, the diodes are of special value for miniature and slim applications where space is a premium. Infineon has created these two products in packages that measure 0.62mm x 0.32mm x 0.31mm (TSSLP-2-1, equivalent to EIA0201 size) and 1.0mm x 0.6mm x 0.39mm (TSLP-2, equivalent to EIA0402 size). With a package’s height down to 0.31mm the new TVS diodes can meet the most stringent thickness requirements for integration into modern smart phones, tablets and eBooks among other devices.

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. The ESD5V3L1B devices and evaluation boards are available as of now. Both TSSLP-2 and TSLP-2 packages are fully compliant with RoHs and halogen-free directives.