Semtech Introduces 2.5V Silicon Protection Device for Lightning & ESD Protection

Semtech Corp. announced the RClamp2504N, a 2.5V protection device designed for lightning surge protection on Ethernet and high-speed digital interfaces. With its high surge capability and ultra-low capacitance, the company claims that the RClamp2504N represents a breakthrough in low voltage protection for high-speed interfaces found in telecommunications and networking equipment.

The four-line RClamp2504N is said to be the first 2.5V device of its kind for protecting low voltage Ethernet transceivers. It is the newest member of Semtech’s RailClamp platform of low-capacitance TVS diode arrays based on a unique Semtech process technology. The low clamping voltage of the RClamp2504N protects communications transceivers from dangerous lightning and ESD threats which the company claims are commonly found on networking and telecom equipment.

Additionally, the RClamp2504N presents a very low 2pF (typical) line-to-line capacitance allowing the device to operate with virtually no insertion loss at speeds up to 2 GHz, giving designers a solution with near electrical transparency to help meet strict Gigabit Ethernet signal integrity standards.

According to the company, the performance breakthrough achieved with the device is due to its proprietary Enhanced Punch-through Diode (EPD) process technology. The EPD process enables low standoff voltages while exhibiting lower leakage currents and lower capacitance over traditional silicon avalanche diode processes. Semtech’s 2.5V technology builds upon the 3.3V RClamp product family, giving designers a migration path for lower clamping protection devices. The RClamp2504N meets IEC 61000-4-x protection standards for electrical fast transients (EFT), electrostatic discharge (ESD) and lightning surge.

"Ethernet is increasingly being used in distributed WAN and carrier applications, which means more high-speed ports need robust protection from latch-up and significant over-voltage events," said Tom Dugan, Vice President Marketing, Protection Products. "With the increased electrical sensitivity of today’s ICs, a 5V or even 3.3V protection device may not offer enough protection. The enhanced clamping performance of the RClamp2504N makes this an all purpose protection solution for Ethernet telecommunication systems."

The RClamp2504N is housed in a very small 2.6 x 2.6 x 0.6mm SLP package that offers a low inductance center ground pad, giving the device additional ability to effectively clamp fast ESD events. The RClamp2504N is lead free and RoHS and WEEE compliant.

The RClamp2504N is available immediately in production quantities and is priced at $0.49 each in 1,000-piece lots.