Infineon Introduces High Performance TVS Diodes For ESD Protection Of NFC Antenna In Mobile Devices
Infineon Technologies AG recently introduced a new diode series to protect NFC (Near Field Communications) antennas and front-end devices from transient voltage events. The new ESD18VU1B diode series absorbs dangerous electrostatic discharges (ESD) to prevent damage to the NFC system.
NFC antennas are often situated on easily accessible spring-mounted contacts on the top of the phone, making them susceptible to ESD events that can easily pass into the NFC module and damage or destroy its components. The new Infineon diode is implemented on the signal path between the antenna and NFC modem. It is optimized to the requirements of NFC systems with characteristics to balance between efficient protection and signal integrity in the RF signal line.
The new diode series can withstand repeated ESD strikes according to the IEC61000-4-2 industry standard without any performance loss and reacts to multiple discharges within less than 1 ns response time. The ESD18VU1B optimized features for NFC antenna protection include:
- Inherent dynamic resistance of 0.6 Ω (ohm) is three times lower than other solutions currently available in the market for the same category of applications. This enables ESD18VU1B diodes to clamp 8 kV electrostatic discharges to voltage levels as low as 28 V without any degradation issue.
- Bidirectional configuration with a very low capacitance of only 0.3 pF and high linearity to minimize signal degradation at high frequencies.
- Protection in AC signal voltage ranges swinging above and/or below ground up to a maximum of ±20 V.
- Minimal power consumption, with typical leakage current below 100 pA at 18 V in normal operating mode, to prolong battery life in portable electronic systems.
The new ESD18VU1B series is available in two Infineon standard packages, TSLP-2-1 (1.0x0.6x0.39mm) and an ultra-small TSSLP-2-1 (0.6x0.3x0.3mm) device that is ideally suited for ultra-slim and small electronic devices. They are lead-free, halogen-free and RoHs-compliant, and are therefore extremely environmentally-friendly.
Availability and Pricing
The new ESD18VU1B diodes are available in high-volume production. Pricing for the TSSLP-2-1 package type is $0.05 per piece (15,000 pieces quantity). To quickly evaluate the new products Infineon provides pre-configured evaluation board hardware as well as samples and simulation models.
For more information, visit www.infineon.com/tvsdiodes
About NFC
NFC provides a short-range wireless data connection that enables an array of new consumer services on smart phones and other mobile platforms, including information exchange and e-wallet applications. The ISO-standard technology is forecast by IMS Research to be available on more than 900 million smart phone handsets by 2016.
About Infineon
Infineon Technologies AG, Neubiberg, Germany, offers semiconductor and system solutions addressing three central challenges to modern society: energy efficiency, mobility, and security. In the 2011 fiscal year (ending September 30), the company reported sales of Euro 4.0 billion with close to 26,000 employees worldwide.
Further information is available at www.infineon.com
SOURCE: Infineon Technologies AG