Semtech Expands 2.5V RailClamp Platform With Low-Clamping Protection Array, Targeting Ethernet Market
Semtech Corp. announced the Rclamp® 2502L device, the first 2.5V (Vrwm) protection device in a SO-8 package for safeguarding Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces from electrostatic discharge (ESD), cable discharge and lightning surge transients.
The two-line RClamp 2502L device delivers optimal transient protection, featuring a very low clamping voltage and a line-to-line capacitance of less than 5pF. The part’s robust (40A, tp=8/20µs) surge rating for secondary lightning protection meets the industry’s stringent telecommunications surge requirements, making it well suited for Ethernet-rich communication infrastructure applications. Additionally, the flow-through layout of the part contributes to enhanced signal quality and ease in PCB routing.
As Ethernet transceivers migrate to smaller geometries, low working voltage and low capacitance protection becomes critical to achieving a high transient protection margin without adversely compromising signal-integrity. The RClamp 2502L device is a drop-in replacement for SO-8 TVS arrays in communication systems that employ previous generation 5V working voltage TVS protection, but now need the improved clamping and transient response time performance.
Semtech’s RailClamp platform is a pioneer in 2.5V protection thanks to Semtech’s proprietary EPD process technology, which provides low standoff voltages with significant reductions in leakage current and capacitance over silicon avalanche diode processes. This part joins other 2.5V parts in the RailClamp family, including the RClamp 2504N device.
"With the explosion in the use of Ethernet in the communications infrastructure, Ethernet transceivers need performance circuit protection more than ever before," said Rick Hansen, Product Marketing Director for Semtech’s Protection Products. "The RClamp 2502L device, with its low working voltage and fast response time, provides the optimal balance between best-in-class clamping performance while also operating electrically transparently on the line pair during normal Ethernet operation."
Key features of the RClamp 2502L device include: transient protection for high-speed data lines to: IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD) ±15kV (air), ±8kV (contact); IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT) 40A (5/50ns); IEC 61000-4-5 (Lightning) 24A (1.2/50ns); low 2.5V working voltage protection; low capacitance (<5pF line-to-line); industry standard SO-8 package; Pb Free and RoHS/WEEE compliant; array of surge rated diodes with internal TVS diode; protects up to two I/O lines; high surge capability: 40A (tp=8/20µs).
The RClamp 2502L device is available immediately and priced at $0.92 each in 10,000-piece lots.
