Semtech Extends RailClamp Platform With 2.5 V Protection Device

Camarillo, CA - Semtech Corp. recently announced two new low-voltage members of its RailClamp platform of protection products designed to safeguard high-speed input/output ports on cell phones, navigation systems, laptops and other portable systems.

The four-line RClamp2504P offers the industry's first 2.5V protection device for portable systems. The low clamping voltage of the RClamp2504P provides IEC 61000-4-x compliant electrostatic discharge (ESD), cable discharge events (CDE) and electrical fast transient (EFT) protection for downstream ICs. Also announced today is the RClamp3304P, a four-line device that offers the same level of protection for 3.3V data rails.

Both devices are housed in a small 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.6 mm leadless package, which consumes minimal board space with a very small keep-out area. These devices are lead free and are RoHS and WEEE compliant.

The RClamp2504P and RClamp3304P present a very low max capacitance of 0.8pF, allowing the devices to operate with virtually no insertion loss at speeds up to 3 GHz. This low capacitance gives designers a solution with near electrical transparency to help meet signal integrity standards for data ports on displays, multimedia cards and secure digital cards.

Both products are members of Semtech's RailClamp family of protection devices, which integrate surge-rated, low capacitance steering diodes and a TVS diode in a single package. Both devices are based on Semtech's proprietary process technology that enables low standoff voltages while exhibiting lower leakage currents and lower capacitance over traditional silicon avalanche diode processes.

The RClamp3304P is pin-compatible to the RClamp2504P giving designers a migration path for lower clamping protection devices.

"Portable devices are at an increased risk of failure from ESD as they get smaller and thinner, while at the same time many IC makers are reducing their on-chip protection," said Tom Dugan, Vice President Marketing, Protection Products. "The 2.5V RClamp2504P offers the most comprehensive protection available for low-voltage rails, combined with low capacitance that gives designers flexibility to meet the needs of today's high-speed I/O ports."

Key Features of the RClamp2504P & RClamp3304P

• Low capacitance: 0.8pF (max) for minimal insertion loss to 3.0GHz
• Small 6-pin leadless package (1.6 x 1.6 x 0.6mm)
• 2.5V operating voltage (RClamp2504P)
• 3.3V operating voltage (RClamp3304P)
• IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD) 15kV (air), 8kV (contact)
• IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT) 40A (5/50ns)

SOURCE: Semtech Corporation