Semtech TVS Protects DisplayPort from ESD/CDE and Latchup
RClamp0524J joins family of 0.3pF capacitance protection devices; Semtech works with DisplayPort
silicon vendors
Camarillo, California - February 7, 2008
Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, today announced the
RClamp
®
0524J, a 5V protection device for DisplayPort and other high-speed applications. The RClamp0524J is the latest
addition to Semtech’s industry leading RailClamp
®
family of solid-state protection devices that are the first to reach 0.3pF in
capacitance to meet the needs of high-speed designs.
DisplayPort is a new open digital communications interface that seeks to do for the computer market
what HDMI does for the consumer electronics – transfer uncompressed HD video/audio content.
DisplayPort is expected to be a significant alternative to both DVI and VGA display connections for
PCs. The interface features a transfer rate of 1.62 Gbps or 2.7 Gbps per lane. A four-lane
configuration has a maximum total data rate of 10.8 Gbps.
At these high data rates, a low capacitance protection device is essential, because introducing any
significant capacitance on the line will degrade signal integrity. The four-line RClamp0524J is a TVS
array with a capacitance of 0.3pF between I/O pins, and can be used on circuits operating at speeds
up to 3GHz without signal attenuation. The ultra-low capacitance means that common-mode chokes
are not required for impedance compensation in DisplayPort designs.
Aggressive ESD protection is essential on DisplayPort systems because of the increased human interaction with the interfaces
that increases the risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD), cable discharge event (CDE) or latchup. The RClamp0524J meets the
stringent IEC 61000-4-2 standard for ESD protection (+/-15kV for air, +/-8kV for contact). The device also meets IEC standards
for electrical fast transients (EFT) and for lightning strikes.
The device comes in a special SLP-style package with an ultra thin design that reduces trace discontinuities. The package is
leadless to reduce stubs that can impact signal quality, and has a flow- through design to avoid trace routing issues that can
impact signal integrity. The device also features a 0.5mm lead pitch so that the differential traces can be tightly coupled for
good common-mode noise rejection. These features, combined with 0.3pF capacitance, mean the devices can be used on two-
, four- or six-layer boards without added trace compensation, eliminating “guesswork” in the layout.
“The RClamp052X product family is the only solid state part we’ve seen that offers the low capacitance and low clamping
voltage to provide protection while maintaining signal integrity for DisplayPort designs,” said Craig Wiley, Director of Technical
Marketing for Analogix. “Semtech TVS protection devices are used on Analogix DisplayPort reference designs because they
offer excellent protection against latchup and ESD/CDE threats.”
“DisplayPort is designed to give consumers the bandwidth they need for a better viewing and listening experience.
RClamp0524J extends the RailClamp protection family, which gives these systems the level of protection they need without
impacting signal integrity. We have been working with several DisplayPort Silicon Vendors, and RClamp052X product family has
been well received in these applications,” said Rick Hansen, Senior Marketing Manager, Protection Products. “The capacitance
of this device is half of the industry norm for TVS arrays and that is a significant achievement for the Semtech team.”
The RClamp0524J is available in an 8-pin SLP2710P8 package measuring 2.7 x 1.0 x 0.58 mm. The device can also be used
to protect HDMI 1.3, eSATA, PCI express, InfiniBand, MDDI and other high-speed data interfaces.
Key Features of the RClamp0524J
● Low capacitance of 0.3pF typical
● Flow-through design
● Meets IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection: +/-15kV (air), +/-8kV (contact)
● Protects against cable discharge events (CDE)
● 8-pin SLP2710P8 (2.7 x 1.0 x 0.58 mm)
● Leads: 0.5mm pitch, NiPD finish
● Low clamping and operating voltage
● RoHS/WEEE compliant
Pricing and Availability
The RClamp0524J (order code: RClamp
®
0524J.TCT) is available immediately in production quantities, with a list price of $0.35
each in 1,000-piece quantities. Semtech offers comprehensive design assistance, including field- and factory-based support.
Data sheets, volume pricing, and delivery quotes, as well as samples, are available by contacting salesinfo@semtech.com.
About Semtech
Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of high-quality analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products. The company is
dedicated to providing customers with proprietary solutions and breakthrough technology in power management, protection,
test & measurement, advanced communications and wireless connectivity products. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is
listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, contact Semtech Corp. at 200 Flynn
Road, Camarillo, CA 93012-8790; phone (805) 498-2111; email to info@semtech.com; or visit its web site at
www.semtech.com
.
Press Contact
David Rodewald, PR Coordinator, Telephone: 805.494.9508