ST boasts industry's smallest TVS diode

STMicroelectronics has announced what it declares as the world's smallest transient-voltage-suppression (TVS) diode for protecting sensitive electronics in consumer products and mobile devices. As the first device to be offered in the industry's smallest standard surface-mount outline of 0.45 x 0.2mm, the ESDAVLC6-1BV2 is one size smaller than today's 0.6 x 0.3mm devices, stated the company.

The value of the space saving to designers can be seen by comparing with other chip sizes used in smartphones and tablets. "A complete motion-sensing IC for features such as indoor navigation and advanced user interface, such as ST's LSM303D, measures just 3 x 3mm, while some power chips are as small as 2 x 2mm," said Eric Paris, product marketing director, ASD & IPAD division, ST.

The ESDAVLC6-1BV2 TVS diode fully satisfies the protection requirements specified in the international standard IEC 61000-4-2. Although other types of ESD protectors, such as varistors, are available in the same size, these generally do not protect as effectively. The device has a clamping voltage half that of the nearest competing varistor in the same size package, offering greater safety for the internal components, ST noted. Although useful in many applications, varistors also age, providing progressively less protection with each ESD event clamped.

The TVS diode features 1GHz bandwidth, 7.5pF line capacitance and 6V breakdown voltage.

The ESDAVLC6-1BV2 is in mass production and samples are also available. Prices start at $0.10 for orders of 1,000 pieces.