TVS Diode Arrays for Smartphones, Tablets and Laptops

Littelfuse, Inc. has introduced the SPxx-01WTG-C-HV Series (SPxx Series) of general purpose ESD Protection TVS Diode Arrays (SPA® Diodes). The SPxx Series extends previous improvements for protecting sensitive electronic devices from damage due to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and other overvoltage transients. These new 'high-voltage' 0201-size components are well-suited for safeguarding the data lines on larger touchscreen modules that are used in large-format tablets and notebooks. They use higher voltages across their rows and columns to allow the touchscreen to distinguish between intended and unintended touches.

The SPxx Series can safely absorb repetitive ESD strikes above the maximum level of the IEC61000-4-2 international standard without performance degradation and safely dissipate up to 8A of induced surge current with comparatively low clamping voltages. In addition, when compared to other industry solutions, it offers 25 percent higher peak pulse power, 50 percent lower leakage current, and up to 40 percent lower capacitance. Unlike those other solutions, the SPxx Series is AEC-Q101 qualified, assuring circuit designers of automotive-grade quality. Typical applications for SPxx Series TVS Diode Arrays include ESD protection for touchscreens, portable instrumentation, LED lighting modules, and low speed I/Os.

“The SPxx Series offers design engineers a choice in selecting the appropriate voltage for the interface they need to protect,” said Tim Micun, product manager for the TVS Diode Array (SPA® Diodes) line. “With standoff voltages as high as 36V, they simplify protecting the large-format touchscreens that are increasingly popular on the newest PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.”

Their low dynamic resistance of 0.4 ohms produces low clamping voltages, allowing for protection of modern/small geometry chipsets against industry-defined ESD transients. SPxx Series TVS Diode Arrays are available in flipchip packages in tape and reel packaging, with a minimum order quantity of 10,000.