TTI introduces Epcos ESD protection devices

The ceramic multilayer semiconductor components - called Ceradiodes - from Epcos also protect analogue and digital connections, ICs and inputs/outputs in electronic equipment.

Ceradiodes are said to be a cost-effective alternative to ESD protection components based on semiconductors such as Zener and TVS diodes.

In many cases, the bidirectional Ceradiodes can directly replace semiconductor ESD diodes with respect to form, fit and function, according to TTI.

Since high-speed data lines such as USB, IEEE 1394 and Ethernet carry very high data rates of several 100Mbit/s, the capacitance of the ESD protection component must be minimised in order to avoid transmission losses.

High-speed-series Ceradiodes satisfy the requirements of USB 2.0, IEEE 1394, Ethernet and other standards thanks to their low capacitance (0.6-10pF verified in qualifying tests).

They satisfy the requirements of the international ESD standard - IEC 61000-4-2, level 4 - which tests them within the human body model (330ohm/150pF).

Ceradiodes function constantly up to an operating temperature of 85C, whereas semiconductor diodes begin to derate at 25C.

According to the company, another benefit is that Ceradiodes 'turn on' in under 0.5ns.

The range of Ceradiodes offered by TTI comprises 0402 (SOD723), 0603 (SOD523) and 1003 (SOD323) single devices plus space-saving arrays: 0508, 0612 (both four in one); 0506 (SOT666); and 1012 (SOT 23-6L) with various operating voltages of 5.6-30V and capacitance values of 0.6-470pF.

As an example of a Ceradiode in application, the 0506 array - CDA3C05GTH - protects either one or two USB 2.0 ports or an IEEE 1394 interface with only a single component and no special interconnection layouts.