ESDAxxL

5/6

ESD

sensitive

device

GND

2 * ESDAXXL

I/O

I/O

I/O

I/O

1. ESD protection by the ESDAxxL

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a major cause of

failure in electronic systems.

Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) are an ideal

choice for ESD protection. They are capable of

clamping the incoming transient to a low enough

level

such

that

damage

to

the

protected

semiconductor is prevented.

Surface mount TVS arrays offer the best choice for

minimal lead inductance.

They serve as parallel protection elements,

connected between the signal line to ground. As

the transient rises above the operating voltage of

the device, the TVS array becomes a low

impedance path diverting the transient current to

ground.

The ESDAxxL array is the ideal board level

protection

of

ESD

sensitive

semiconductor

components.

The tiny SOT23 package allows design flexibility in

the design of high density boards where the space

saving is at a premium. This enables to shorten the

routing and contributes to hardening againt ESD.

2. Circuit Board Layout

Circuit board layout is a critical design step in the

suppression of ESD induced transients. The

following guidelines are recommended :

n

The ESDAxxL should be placed as close as pos-

sible to the input terminals or connectors.

n

The path length between the ESD suppressor

and the protected line should be minimized

n

All conductive loops, including power and

ground loops should be minimized

n

The ESD transient return path to ground should

be kept as short as possible.

n

Ground planes should be used whenever possi-

ble.