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Semtech Debuts 4-Channel RailClamp® Surge Protection Device for DVI and Other Current and Emerging High-Speed Video/Data Interfaces

New Device Provides Robust Protection, While Preserving Signal Integrity in High-Speed Video / Data Interfaces in Computers; Flat panel, Plasma or CRT displays; PDAs; Set-Top Boxes; CCTV Systems; HDTV Sets; and Digital Video Recorders

Camarillo, California - September 23, 2002

Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, portable devices, computers, and industrial equipment, today announced the SRV08-4, the latest addition to its RailClamp™ family of TVS (transient voltage suppression) protection products. The SRV08-4 exhibits significantly less capacitance than competing devices (typically 3pF per line), making it ideal for ports carrying high-speed signals, at frequencies up to one GHz. The SRV08-4 features a 5V working voltage, ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection compliant with IEC 61000-4-2, Level 4 (greater than 15kV), and a six-lead SOT-23 surface-mount package that requires minimal board space.

External video and data ports in computing devices and displays are often exposed to high voltages discharged from a human body through static buildup or from plugging in "hot" cables. Sensitive CMOS integrated circuits driving or receiving signals through external interfaces such as the Digital Video Interface (DVI), Universal Serial Bus (USB), Analog VGA/SVGA, and S-Video can easily be damaged or destroyed from high energy surges. Systems that utilize these ports include computers; flat-panel, plasma, and CRT (cathode ray tube) displays; PDAs (personal digital assistants); set-top boxes; CCTV (closed-caption television) surveillance systems; high-definition television (HDTV) sets; and digital video recorders.

Protecting external ports in these systems can be a challenge. Protection devices not only must be able to withstand repeated voltage strikes without being damaged, but also exhibit low capacitance and leakage current to maintain signal integrity at the ever-increasing speeds employed in modern video and computing equipment. Clamping voltages must also be low enough to prevent "latch-up" and cumulative degradation to protected circuits which are getting smaller, yet consequently more sensitive, in order to meet the small footprint requirements crucial in consumer electronics, such as PDAs, DV recorders and video game consoles.

The SRV08-4 integrates eight surge-rated, low-capacitance steering diodes and an avalanche TVS diode to provide protection for up to four high-speed signal lines. As with other Semtech RailClamp™ devices, the SRV08-4’s steering diodes are intended to redirect voltage surges away from signal lines, while the TVS diode is used to clamp surges on the power line. The SRV08-4 is ideal for protecting sensitive sub-5V CMOS transceiver circuitry from voltage transients.

"Until recently, the predominant protection mechanism used was discrete diodes that were not even rated to handle ESD. In fact, many designers fail to provide adequate surge protection due to cost constraints or fears that it may degrade the quality of high-speed signals," said Semtech’s Director of Protection Products, Tom Dugan. "The SRV08-4 solves this quandary by providing economical, robust transient protection that introduces minimal stray capacitance."

Key Features of the SRV08-4

• Integrated device protects four high-speed signal I/O and one power line
• Optimized for video / data interface protocols with signals from 100MHz to more than 1GHz, such as DVI, USB, S-Video, and analog SVGA/VGA
• Low capacitance (5pF max, 3pF typ) and leakage current (5uA max) preserves high-speed signal integrity
• Very low clamping voltage—one diode drop above the supplied reference voltage
• ESD protection to IEC 61000-4-2, Level 4 (8kV contact, 15kV air) and protection from cable discharge events
• Space-saving, surface-mount JEDEC SOT-23 6L package optimized for portable applications
  

Pricing and Availability

The SRV08-4 is sampling now in tape and reel, and production is ramping. Pricing is $0.31 each in 10,000 unit lots. Semtech offers application support for new designs and datasheets are available at www.semtech.com.

About Semtech

Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of high-quality analog and mixed-signal ICs for power management, over-voltage and transient protection, human interface devices & system management, test & measurement applications, and advanced communications. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, contact Semtech Corporation at 200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA. 93012-8790; phone (805) 498-2111; email to info@semtech.com; or visit its Web site at www.semtech.com.

Press Contact

Terry Sears, Marketing Communications Manager, Telephone: 805.498.2111