TVS touts low capacitance for HD multimedia interface

In an effort to boost ESD protection for equipment such as DisplayPort monitors and PCs, STMicroelectronics introduces the ESDAXLC6-1MY2, a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) that allows increased high-definition (HD) picture quality due to its ultralow capacitance.

An InStat report estimates a shipment of about 100 million portable PCs with a DisplayPort output for connection to an external HD screen in 2013. The high signal speeds of DisplayPort, as well as similar external connections such as HDMI, USB3.0 and eSATA, call for improved protection devices that prevent electrostatic pulses from damaging the system's circuits, as users add or remove cables. These are connected to each pin of the external connector to absorb or divert the ESD pulse energy, but must add the lowest possible capacitance on the signal line to avoid degrading picture quality.

ST reports in its press release that its latest TVS has an ultralow capacitance for the type of device, thus preserving picture quality while maintaining ESD protection. The eXtremely Low Capacitance (XLC) device places a loading of 0.35pF maximum on the signal line. This low capacitance provides a signal bandwidth of 6-7GHz, allowing the 2.7Gbit/s data streams of a DisplayPort interface to pass through without distortion. The ESDAXLC6-1MY2 will also protect HDMI, USB3.0 and eSATA interfaces, which have similar per-channel data rates.

By using the same footprint and pin arrangement as older devices of higher capacitance, the new TVS provides a direct upgrade or second-source for any existing product. It occupies 0.6mm? of PCB space, and only a single device is required per signal line. The protection provided meets IEC 61000-4-2, allowing equipment to withstand an ESD event up to ±8kV in direct contact with the signal conductor.

The ESDAXLC6-1MY2 is available immediately in production volumes.

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