Nexperia launches ESD-protection devices for high-speed automotive interfaces

Nexperia, a semiconductor provider, recently announced a new range of ESD-protection devices aimed specifically at the ever-increasing number of high-speed interfaces found in automotive applications — and, particularly, the in-vehicle networks (IVN) associated with infotainment and vehicle communications.

As data rates increase and vehicles feature more electric content, the need for EMC protection becomes more critical and challenging for design engineers.

However, Nexperia’s TrEOS technology optimizes the three pillars of ESD protection — signal integrity, system protection, and robustness — to deliver devices with the ideal combination of low capacitance, low-clamping voltage, and high ESD reliability.

The new PESD4USBx series comprises a total of 12 high-performance, 4-channel, ESD-protection devices that use TrEOS technology. Signal integrity is ensured by the low-line capacitance for each channel (as low as 0.25 pF) and the sub-0.05 pF line matching capacitance. All devices offer deep snapback combined with a low resistance of 0.4 Ohm.

With ESD protection up to ±15 kV, the PESD4USBx series meets IEC61000-4-2 level 4 and ISO10605. This is the highest level of ESD protection currently available in this package size, making the devices ideal for modern, densely packed, automotive designs.

A range of interface standards are supported including USB 2.0, Super-speed USB at 10 Gbps, HDMI 2.0, HDBaseT, and the increasing number of automotive A/V monitors displays and cameras found in vehicles. PESD4USBx devices also support video links (SerDes): GMSL, FPD-Link, and LVDS.

Specifically engineered for automotive applications, the devices exceed the needs of AEC-Q101 by a factor of two. Furthermore, in Nexperia’s DFN2510D packages (SOT1165D and SOT1176D), side-wettable flanks (SWF) are available as standard, allowing the use of automatic optical inspection (AOI) and enhancing assembly quality for customers.

“The electronic content is growing rapidly throughout the vehicle and, coupling this with the need for high data rates, interfaces commonly found in high-end A/V applications are becoming prevalent,” said Lukas Droemer, Nexperia product manager. “With the heavy electrical content, vehicles are electrically noisy environments and these sensitive interfaces need high-performance ESD protection. Our new PESD4USBx series combines strong TrEOS performance with automotive grade quality specifically for demanding automotive multimedia applications.”