California Micro Devices Introduces New XtremeESD(R) Protection Array With 20kV ESD Protection

MILPITAS, California -

- Second Generation Device Features Higher Performance, Smaller Size and Lower Price

California Micro Devices (Nasdaq: CAMD) today introduced the latest ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection device in the XtremeESD family utilizing the PicoGuard (R) XS architecture, the CM1238. It provides 8 channels of ESD protection that meet + -15kV contact discharge, and + -20kV air discharge per the IEC61000-4-2 standard as well as the 100 Ohm differential impedance matching requirements of the HDMI(R) 1.3a and DisplayPort(TM) digital video standards. The CM1238 utilizes the second generation of the PicoGuard XS architecture based on a smaller diode design that enables enhanced signal integrity, smaller form factor and lower product cost while maintaining ESD protection at an industry leading 20kV level. It is ideal for digital TVs, LCD displays, notebook computers, set top boxes, and HD DVD recorders.

(Photo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090818/SF62785)

“Consumer electronics designers face a broad array of design challenges in meeting consumer requirements for greater functionality and higher performance at ever decreasing prices,” stated Kyle Baker, vice president of marketing for California Micro Devices. “The CM1238 creates customer value by providing better performance and a smaller size at a lower price point.”

PicoGuard XS Impedance Matching and Signal Integrity

The CM1238 incorporates the PicoGuard XS architecture that integrates inductors with the diodes to create fixed point impedance matching for high speed data lines. Traditionally, system designers must compensate for the capacitance of the ESD protection device by adding external inductance, eliminating capacitance under the signal traces near the ESD device, or both. These approaches add complexity and cost, and are printed circuit board dependent, limiting the ability to use multiple board vendors. In many cases, this may not even be possible, particularly if the capacitance of the device is too high as is typical with existing 20kV ESD devices. The CM1238 eliminates the need for these measures, providing matched impedance with no external compensation or components required.

Robust ESD Protection

Delivering robust ESD protection requires much more than achieving compliance with industry standards. Standards define the level of ESD a protection solution can withstand before failing, but do not characterize the level of residual current that passes through the diode and reaches the device under protection. Therefore, it is important to select a device that not only complies with industry standards, but also ensures a low clamping voltage and low residual current. PicoGuard XS solutions feature peak clamping voltages up to 40% lower and peak residual currents between 15% to 40% lower than competing solutions.

XtremeESD Website

This ESD Resource Center provides relevant information about ESD protection to designers of digital consumer electronics and personal computer applications. The site contains technical white papers, product specifications, articles, presentations and an open forum on various ESD protection topics. Go to: www.XtremeESD.com.

Product Specifications

The CM1238 provides protection for four pairs of differential channels, offering ESD protection to IEC61000-4-2 standard + -15kV contact discharge and + - 20kV air discharge. The integration of inductors with the ESD diodes provides for improved ESD protection as well as outstanding signal integrity. The signal integrity is further enhanced as a result of the second generation PicoGuard XS architecture based on a smaller ESD diode structure that provides the same industry leading ESD performance, but with improved signal integrity. The reduced die size, together with a smaller package size, results in a lower cost compared to the first generation design.

Package, Pricing and Availability

The CM1238 is available in a 0.5mm pitch, 16 lead TDFN package (4mm x 1.7mm). Samples will be available in October with full production scheduled for December 2009. It is priced at US$0.40 each at 1,000 units.

About California Micro Devices Corporation

California Micro Devices Corporation is a leading supplier of protection devices for the mobile handset, high brightness LED (HBLED), digital consumer electronics and personal computer markets. Detailed corporate and product information may be accessed at www.cmd.com.

XtremeESD and PicoGuard XS are registered trademarks of California Micro Devices Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Source: California Micro Devices

Kyle Baker of California Micro Devices, +1-408-934-3117, kyleb at cmd.com; Photo: https://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090818/SF62785