SRDA3.3-6 and SRDA05-6
PROTECTION PRODUCTS
Applications Information
Device Connection Options for Protection of Six High-
Speed Lines
The SRDA TVS is designed to protect four data lines
from transient overvoltages by clamping them to a
fixed reference. When the voltage on the protected
line exceeds the reference voltage (plus diode V
F
) the
steering diodes are forward biased, conducting the
transient current away from the sensitive circuitry.
Data lines are connected at pins 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
The negative reference is connected at pin 8. These
pins should be connected directly to a ground plane on
the board for best results. The path length is kept as
short as possible to minimize parasitic inductance.
The positive reference is connected at pins 2 and 3.
In the case of the SRDA3.3-6, pins 2 and 3 are
connected internally to the cathode of the low voltage
TVS. It is not recommended that these pins be directly
connected to a DC source greater than the snap-back
votlage (V
SB
) as the device can latch on as described
below.
EPD TVS Characteristics
These devices are constructed using Semtech’s
proprietary EPD technology. By utilizing the EPD tech-
nology, the SRDA3.3-6 can effectively operate at 3.3V
while maintaining excellent electrical characteristics.
V
BRR
I
SB
Data Line Protection Using Internal TVS Diode as
Reference
EPD TVS IV Characteristic Curve
I
PP
I
PT
I
R
V
RWM
V V V
C
SB
PT
The EPD TVS employs a complex nppn structure in
contrast to the pn structure normally found in tradi-
tional silicon-avalanche TVS diodes. Since the EPD
TVS devices use a 4-layer structure, they exhibit a
slightly different IV characteristic curve when compared
to conventional devices. During normal operation, the
device represents a high-impedance to the circuit up to
the device working voltage (V
RWM
). During an ESD
event, the device will begin to conduct and will enter a
low impedance state when the punch through voltage
(V
PT
) is exceeded. Unlike a conventional device, the low
voltage TVS will exhibit a slight negative resistance
characteristic as it conducts current. This characteris-
tic aids in lowering the clamping voltage of the device,
but must be considered in applications where DC
voltages are present.
When the TVS is conducting current, it will exhibit a
slight “snap-back” or negative resistance characteris-
tics due to its structure. This point is defined on the
2008 Semtech Corp.
5
I
BRR
curve by the snap-back voltage (V
SB
) and snap-back
current (I
SB
). To return to a non-conducting state, the
current through the device must fall below the I
SB
(approximately <50mA) and the voltage must fall below
the V
SB
(normally 2.8 volts for a 3.3V device). If a 3.3V
TVS is connected to 3.3V DC source, it will never fall
below the snap-back voltage of 2.8V and will therefore
stay in a conducting state.
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