STMicroelectronics Delivers All-Round Efficiency Gains with Smallest Four-Line ESD Protection IC Supporting All Leading High-Speed Interconnects

GENEVA, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a world leader in protection devices, has unveiled an IC for use with today's highest-speed multimedia and storage interconnects, including HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.0, Serial ATA (SATA) and DVI. The new device provides ESD protection for four data lines within a 1x2mm-outline package, saving at least 30% of PCB space compared to other devices.

As these high-speed interconnect standards maximize ease of use – specifying convenient, miniaturized connectors and cables – consumers can easily connect and disconnect devices such as high-definition video equipment, terabyte storage, multi-megapixel cameras, and personal media devices including smartphones. This increases the risk of damage to internal circuitry by electrostatic discharges (ESD), which can occur when a device is touched or when a cable is connected or removed.

By providing a convenient one-chip ESD-protection solution, ST's HSP061-4NY8 addresses a large and important market: total worldwide shipments of equipment containing an HDMI or DisplayPort connection, for example, are expected to exceed one billion units by 2012, according to industry analysts.

The HSP061-4NY8 provides the industry with a single orderable part capable of protecting circuits using any of these multi-gigabit standards, enabling economies of scale as well as significant advantages in efficiency throughout product design, purchasing, and assembly.

The device contains a network of Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) diodes capable of protecting two pairs of high-speed differential data lines. These diodes are sufficient to provide complete protection for the 5.0 Gbit/s SuperSpeed bus defined in the new USB 3.0 specification. A single HSP061-4NY8 can also protect all the data lines of an HDMI port, an entire channel in SATA interfaces, up to and including the latest 6Gbit/s SATA 3.0 standard, or a two-lane DisplayPort interface.

Technical features of the HSP061-4NY8:

• ESD protection complying with: IEC61000-4-2 level 4 (8kV air discharge) and MIL-STD 883G Method 3015-7 Class 3B (>8kV)
• Ultra low capacitance: 0.6pF
• 5.8GHz bandwidth and 100 Ohm differential impedance: suitable for 3.4Gbit/s data lines
• Low leakage current: 100nA at 25 degrees C
• 0.55mm-high 1x2mm 8-lead microDFN package

The HSP061-4NY8 is sampling now to lead customers and is priced at $0.20 in quantities of 3000. Further pricing options are available for larger quantities.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2009, the Company's net revenues were $8.51 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com. 

SOURCE STMicroelectronics