Semtech Unveils MicroClamp Family of ESD Devices

Semtech Corp. (Camarillo, CA), a producer of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, announced its new MicroClamp™ family of ultra-small, transient voltage suppressors (TVS) designed for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on cell phones, personal digital assistants, digital cameras and other portable electronic designs.

The first product in the family is the µClamp™0501H, a TVS diode in a two-lead, SOD-523 package measuring 0.9 mm x 1.7 mm x 0.6 mm. The µClamp0501H offers ESD protection in excess of ±8 kV contact, ±15 kV air per IEC 61000-4-2, Level 4 requirements, an industry ESD standard that must be met by mobile phone manufacturers.

The µClamp0501H is placed in parallel with the protected circuit and becomes a low impedance path during an ESD event. Harmful current is safely shunted to ground while voltage across the protected circuit is minimized. The µClamp0501H features a low clamping voltage, which puts less stress on the protected IC during an ESD event, and is appropriate for the most sensitive circuits such as baseband controllers in cellular phones. The µClamp0501H does not degrade after multiple ESD strikes.

Samples of the µClamp0501H are available immediately. Volume production is scheduled for ramping in May, with devices priced at $0.24 each in 1,000-piece lots.