Infineon claims world's smallest ESD protection diode for RF antennae

Details: Category: Wireless Networks; 26 November 2008; 9064 views

Taking the opportunity of the Electronica trade show, Infineon Technologies AG launched what it claims is "the world's smallest Transient Voltage Suppression diode" for the protection of antennas in the latest electronic equipment...

Taking the opportunity of the Electronica trade show, Infineon Technologies AG launched what it claims is "the world's smallest Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) diode" for the protection of antennas in the latest electronic equipment. Applications include GPS, mobile TV, FM radio, and vehicular Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS).

The new TVS antenna protection diode, the ESD0P2RF-02LS, is only 0.62 mm x 0.32 mm in size and a mere 0.31 mm in height. It is designed to protect the latest electronic communication and consumer devices against electrostatic discharges (ESD) and can "reliably absorb electrostatic discharges as high as 20 kV." Linearity up to 6 GHz together with capacitance of 0.2 pF for a TVS diode and low clamping voltages in a bi-directional configuration are "the perfect fit for sensitive RF antenna applications."

The ESD0P2RF-02LS is designed in a tiny leadless TSSLP package that measures 0.62 mm x 0.32 mm. The miniature package, which is said to be about 70% smaller than today's products with similar features, not only allows significant space saving on high density PCBs and great flexibility but is also specifically designed for integration into complete modules and front-end systems or even directly into original component packages of filters and ICs (eg, System in Package). Designed for implementation within mobile phones and other thin portable devices, package height is as low as 0.31 mm.

The ESD0P2RF-02LS is intended for applications with signals swinging above and below ground with a maximum working voltage of up to ±5.3 V. Because of its bidirectional characteristics with symmetrical clamping voltage, orientation of the device in the PCB is claimed not to be an issue. Battery-powered mobile applications "will greatly benefit from this new subminiature TVS diode as it drains extremely low leakage currents down to 1 nA (at 5.3 V) and therefore helps to extend battery duration."

The ESD0P2RF-02LS is qualified according to the most stringent standards like the Automotive AECQ101 standard. It is scheduled to enter mass production by the end of 2008.