11 Oct 2006 | Geneva

English

STMicroelectronics Introduces Ultra-Large-Bandwidth ESD Protection for HDMI Connections

Protecting high-speed data ports is particularly challenging. Any capacitive loading introduced by protection devices can significantly degrade the signal integrity. This is particularly significant at the high data rates required by HDMI connections in computer and consumer electronics. Previous solutions on the market typically presented a capacitive loading of several pico-Farads, which is high enough to require designers to make difficult trade-offs between the level of protection and the resulting signal degradation at typical working data rates.

The ultra-low line capacitance (0.6pF) of the HDMIULC6-4SC6 provides a new level of performance. For the first time, designers can protect these high-speed interfaces against 15kV air and contact discharges, above IEC 61000-4-2 level 4 standard, while minimizing distortion of the HDMI signal.

The ultra-high cut-off frequency of 5.3GHz guarantees data integrity. The HDMIULC6-4SC6 offers better impedance matching (0.015pF versus 0.04pF), low leakage current (0.5µA maximum), and minimal channel imbalance, signal skew and crosstalk (0.007pF versus 0.13pF).

The new device is compatible with other high-speed interfaces such as IEEE 1394a/b, USB2.0, Ethernet links, and video lines. The footprint of the HDMIULC6-4SC6 is compatible with ST’s popular USBLC6-4SC6 and DVIULC6-4SC6 ESD protection devices for USB 2.0 and DVI ports respectively, allowing easy board upgrades.

Housed in a tiny SOT23-6L package, the HDMIULC6-4SC6 is in full production and costs $0.25 in quantities of 2500 pieces.

Further information is available at www.st.com/protection

Click here for the high-resolution photo

* According to the IMS Research report on “The Worldwide Markets of TVS Thyristors and Avalanche Diodes” (2006 Edition).

About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2005, the Company's net revenues were $8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
Information last updated Jan 2006