Semtech Presents New EClamp Protection Device for Secure Digital Memory Card Designs

Business Wire, Jan 19, 2005

CAMARILLO, Calif. -- EClamp(TM)2357N Replaces 28 Discrete Components with One Device to Offer EMI/RFI/ESD Protection for SD Memory and Other Interfaces

Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq:SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, portable devices, computers and industrial equipment, today announced the EClamp(TM)2357N, an expansion of its successful EMIClamp(TM) family of transient voltage suppression devices, which is specifically designed to protect interfaces for Secure Digital (SD) memory card designs.

The EClamp2357N features six lines of combined protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI), radio frequency interference (RFI) and electro static discharge (ESD). It also includes an additional four lines of dedicated ESD protection for power and high-speed I/O lines.

"Expanding our successful EClamp family to support SD Memory Card interfaces was an easy choice, because the growth of this format has been so dramatic," said Tom Dugan, Semtech's Director of Protection Products. "The EClamp2357N offers designers a true, cost-effective alternative complete with small size, excellent protection and industry preferred packaging."

The SD Memory Card has quickly become the standard for high-capacity consumer device storage thanks to its high-speed data transfer capabilities. While designed for SD Memory Card interfaces, the EClamp2357N can also be used in touch screen display, mobile phone handset, color LCD and multimedia color interface applications.

The EClamp2357N sits on a board between the SD memory connector and the baseband controller and protects the controller from transient electrical events. The EClamp replaces up to 28 discrete devices on a board with just one 3mm x 3mm, 16-pin Quad Flat No-Lead (QFN) that can be integrated into most assembly processes. In addition, the device's easy layout increases filter and ESD performance through reduced trace inductance.

Each of the six circuits on the EClamp2357N is comprised of a pi filter circuit that includes TVS diodes for ESD protection, and a resistor capacitor network for EMI/RFI filtering. The device also features four lines of TVS diodes for dedicated ESD protection of power lines or high-speed I/O lines. A series resistor value of 100 ohms and a component capacitance value of 10pF are used to achieve 20dB minimum attenuation from 1.0 GHz to 3GHz. All of the TVS diodes provide effective suppression of ESD voltages in excess of 15kV (air discharge) and 8kV (contact discharge) per the IEC 61000-4-2, level 4 specification.

Key Features of the EClamp2357N

--EMI/RFI filter with integrated ESD protection

--ESD protection to IEC 6100-4-2 (ESD) Level 4, /- 15kV (air), /-8kV (contact)

--Filter performance of greater than 30dB attenuation at 1.8GHz

--5V working voltage

--10 lines of protection: EMI & ESD protection for six lines, with an additional four lines of dedicated ESD protection

--Small QFN package, 3.0 x 3.0 x 1.0 mm

Pricing and Availability

The EClamp2357N is available immediately in production quantities and is priced at $0.55 each in 1,000 piece lots. The device comes in a lead-free, 16-pin QFN package and is orderable by the part number EClamp2357N.TCT. Semtech offers comprehensive design assistance, including field- and factory-based support. Data sheets, volume pricing, and delivery quotes, as well as evaluation kits and samples, are available by contacting salesinfo@semtech.com.

About Semtech

Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of high-quality analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products. The company is dedicated to providing customers with proprietary solutions and breakthrough technology in power management, protection, advanced communications, human interface, and test & measurement products. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, contact Semtech Corp. 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.

Semtech, the Semtech logo, EClamp and EMIClamp are marks of Semtech Corporation.