Tiny protector has six lines covered

The uClamp0506P is billed as the industry's first ultrasmall six-line 5V protection device for portable systems.

Semtech Corp has announced the uClamp0506P, the industry's first ultrasmall six-line 5V protection device for portable systems.

The uClamp0506P is the latest addition to Semtech's MicroClamp product family, which now has the industry's widest selection of line capacities - from one to six lines.

The device works in any portable device, but is a natural fit for 12-button mobile phone keypads, reducing the number of protection parts needed from three to two, thus freeing up board space and cutting costs.

The uClamp0506P is packaged in Semtech's leadless SLP 6L package for an ultra-small form factor: 1.6 x 1.6mm, with a 0.6mm profile that makes it attractive for the current wave of ultraslim portable devices.

The uClamp0506P features a very low clamping voltage that aids designers in meeting IEC standards for protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electrical fast transient (EFT) events.

The device can be configured to protect up to six unidirectional lines by connecting the centre pad to the ground pad, or five bidirectional lines when any of the I/O pins is connected to ground.

In contrast, leaded devices protect one less line as one pin must be used for the ground connection.

"MicroClamp products leverage Semtech's process technology for their small size, which is important for ever sleeker next-generation portables, but also important is the uClamp0506P's low clamping voltage that provides superior protection for the phone's sensitive controllers and ASICs", said Tom Dugan, Semtech's Director of Protection Products.

"Integrating six lines into a tiny, low-profile package makes high-quality protection more cost-effective for all portable devices".

All MicroClamp devices feature a unique combination of low clamping voltage levels and small package size, which allows them to protect even the most sensitive CMOS circuits while minimising the board space consumed.

MicroClamp devices are placed in between the protected circuit and the sources of potential ESD, including such interfaces as keyboards, LED drivers, battery chargers, power or headphone connectors.

During an ESD event, the TVS becomes a low-impedance path protecting the circuit by diverting harmful current to ground.

The uClamp0506P is available immediately in production quantities and is priced at $0.22 each in 10,000-piece lots.

Ordering code is uClamp0506P.TCT.

Semtech offers comprehensive design assistance, including field- and factory-based support.

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