TVS Diode Array Packs Five Diodes Into The Space Of One

Littelfuse Inc. (Chicago, IL) has introduced the SP1012 Series TVS Diode Array (SPA® Diodes), a miniature, five-channel 6.5 pF, 15 kV bidirectional TVS array for general-purpose electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. The array packs five ESD diodes in a 0402-size (0.94 mm x 0.61 mm) flip-chip package that would normally contain only one, so it offers a 5 x improvement over previous implementations.

By providing the highest number of ESD diodes available in a package less than a square millimeter in size, the SP1012 Series helps circuit designers economize on both printed circuit board (PCB) space and costs. These diodes can safely absorb repetitive ESD strikes at the maximum level specified in the IEC61000-4-2 international standard without performance degradation. The bidirectional configuration provides symmetrical ESD protection for data lines when AC signals are present. The SP1012 Series is configured to protect data lines on flexible PCBs for capacitive touchscreen implementations.

The diode array provides greater than ±15 kV protection per IEC61000-4-2 (contact), giving engineers higher end product reliability in the field.
 The part’s very low dynamic resistance of 0.48 Ω supports the low clamping voltages needed for protecting modern electronics.  A nominal 6 V standoff voltages permits protection on 95 percent of the current and future user interfaces.

The diode array is available in quantities of 10,000 in tape and reel packaging.