STMicroelectronics Proves Performance Advantage with World's Only Silicon Protection Diodes Specified to International Surge Standard IEC61000-4-5

GENEVA, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a world leader in protection ICs, has announced the first silicon surge protectors meeting international surge-protection standard IEC61000-4-5, with a family of devices delivering high reliability and effective protection throughout the entire operating-temperature range.

The STIEC45 Transil™ family provides mandatory protection for power supplies against surges, electrostatic discharge, and electrical fast transients. Metal-Oxide Varistors (MOVs) are usually connected to prevent surge energy reaching the power supply, but silicon surge protectors are more reliable. Among these, only the STIEC45 family is specified according to IEC61000-4-5.

In addition, ST's Transils maintain more than 75% of their protection capability up to 150 degrees C, and are soldered to standard-sized metal pads on the pc-board. This approach delivers a space-efficient solution for equipment operating in high-temperature environments, such as factories or vehicles. Alternative silicon devices sometimes require oversized pads to provide the stated surge protection, and the level of protection can decrease rapidly beyond 25 degrees C. At 125 degrees C, some absorb less than 40% of the peak pulse-power specified.

STIEC45-xxAS family highlights include:

• The devices also meet: IEC61000-4-2 for ESD and IEC61000-4-4 for Electrical Fast Transient (EFT)
• Pass MIL-STD-883 (Method 3015) ESD tests
• 500A (8/20 microseconds) peak pulse-current capability
• 410A (8/20 microseconds) current capability at 150 degrees C
• Low leakage current: 0.2 microamperes at 25 degrees C; 1 microampere at 85 degrees C
• Stand-off voltage options: 24V, 26V, 28V, 30V, 33V

Five STIEC45 variants are available, covering stand-off voltages from 24V to 33V. The family is in mass production, in 8 x 6mm SMC surface-mount packages, priced from $0.20 in quantities of 100,000 units.

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