Semtech Fields Ultra-Low-Capacitance 4-Channel Transient Voltage Protection Array; Product Protects High-Speed Data Interfaces Running up to 1GHz.

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

NEWBURY PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 28, 2001

Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq:SMTC), a leader in semiconductor solutions for communications, computers, and industrial equipment, today announced the SRV05-4 four-channel low-capacitance TVS (transient-voltage suppressor) protection array, the newest addition to Semtech's RailClamp(R) TVS product family.

The SRV05-4 features ultra-low capacitance of 3pF (typ) per line, which is less than half the capacitance of competing products, permitting communication rates up to 1GHz. The SRV05-4 comes in a space saving SOT-23 6L surface-mount package, occupying less than 1.5mm(2) of board space. The miniature SRV05-4 offers a 5V working voltage and ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection of greater than 15kV.

Utilizing a unique IC process, the SRV05-4 incorporates eight surge-rated, low-capacitance steering devices and an on-chip, avalanche TVS RailClamp(R) in a single package. This array allows users to protect four high-speed data or transmission lines. In the RailClamp(R) configuration, steering devices protect the high-speed I/O lines while the internal TVS clamps the power line, protecting any downstream components.

The SRV05-4's electrical characteristics are especially well suited to protecting delicate sub-5-volt CMOS line transceivers from transients caused by ESD, cable discharge events, lightning and other induced voltage surges.

"Until now, designers have been forced to use inadequate protection schemes due to capacitance constraints," said Tom Dugan, director of marketing for protection products at Semtech. "The SRV05-4 represents an unmatched solution in terms of performance and preservation of signal integrity.

"In fact, we have one customer successfully employing the device on lines running as high as 1.25GHz. This ultra-low capacitance array makes the protection of high-speed interfaces possible and affordable to the engineers working on state-of-the-art telecom and datacom designs."

Applications for the SRV05-4 include:

1. Monitors and flat-panel displays

2. Video graphics cards

3. Cellular phone SIM ports

4. 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports

5. USB 2.0 power and IEEE 1394 data lines

6. Notebooks, handhelds and PDAs

7. High speed data lines

8. Digital video interfaces (DVI)

The SRV05-4 provides EFT (electrical fast transients) protection to IEC 61000-4-4, protection against lightning strikes to IEC 61000-4-5, and ESD protection to IEC 61000-4-2, level 4 (8kV contact, 15kV air). Peak pulse power, Ppk, is specified as 350W and peak pulse current, Ipp, is 16A (tp = 8/20us). The SRV05-4 operates over a -55 to +125 degrees C temperature range.

Price and Availability

Evaluation samples of the SRV05-4 are currently available, with production volumes now ramping. Pricing begins at $0.48 in production of 10,000 units. The devices are packaged in tape and reel per EIA 481.

About Semtech

Semtech Corp. is a leading supplier of over-voltage and transient protection, power management, high-performance, HID and system management, and advanced communications semiconductor products. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol SMTC.

For more information, contact Semtech Corp. at 652 Mitchell Road, Newbury Park, CA. 91320; phone [phone]; e-mail to [e-mail]; or visit its Web site at www.semtech.com.