Semtech Unveils New Device Protecting Automotive Data Lines

Modern cars feature different navigation, infotainment and camera assist systems that require high-speed interfaces to transport data. If these interfaces lack ESD protection, it can lead to huge replacement or repair costs. This is why Semtech Corp., a premier supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, has recently launched the RClamp0524PQ, a 4-line integrated Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) array designed to protect automotive data lines against electrical transient threats.

The new RClamp0524PQ offers 20 percent reduction in clamping voltage and an improved ESD immunity level (±25kV air discharge and a ±15kV contact discharge) along with an ultra-low capacitance rating, enabling it to address the protection needs of the high-speed data lines found in modern cars, including HDMI and LVDS.

In order to ensure data integrity, protection components should insignificantly affect the signal integrity of high-speed signal lines. Thanks to RClamp0524PQ’s optimized design, the device is able to attain outstanding results on established compliance tests that measure signal integrity in LVDS and HDMI lines. The stable and extremely low capacitance enables the device to reside on high-speed data lines without compromising signal performance metrics. The package’s flow-through structure facilitates the best trace routings for system designs and offers an extra safety margin for meeting signal integrity requirements.

According to Rick Hansen, Product Marketing Director for Semtech’s Protection Products, today’s automakers are increasingly using high-speed data transmission technologies in automotive infotainment applications. He explained that the RClamp0524PQ not only surpasses the toughest ESD immunity requirements common on automotive designs, but also affords automotive designers’ outstanding quality and performance to meet the EMC requirements on high-end car platforms.