Semtech Unveils Ultralow-Capacitance Transient Suppressor Tailored to Guard High-Speed ADSL Data Lines.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

NEWBURY PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2001

With a junction capacitance of less than 15 pF,

the LCDA15-1 protects high-speed data lines from lightning, ESD,

and other transients while preserving signal integrity.

Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTC) a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, computers and industrial equipment, today announced the LCDA15-1 Low-Capacitance Transient Suppressor.

The LCDA15-1 is a compact, unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) touting less than 15 pF typically just 8 pF of junction capacitance, an operating voltage of 15V, and a surge capability of 15A (tp=8/20us).

As such, the LCDA15-1 meets key requirements for protecting high-speed data lines associated with the latest ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber loop) transceivers powered from positive voltage supplies, serial and parallel I/O ports, wireless and other portable electronic products, wide and local area networks, and ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) equipment. Each LCDA15-1 protects one data line in common (line-to-ground) mode using proprietary solid-state silicon-avalanche technology.

"The push to higher data rates, illustrated by the demand for ADSL, and the unwavering requirement to protect sensitive ICs against damage from ESD and lightning-induced transients, makes the LCDA15-1 an extremely attractive choice for datacom and telecom equipment designers," noted Tom Dugan, Director of Marketing for Protection Products at Semtech. "Everything about the device, electrically and mechanically, is tailored to meet the needs of high-speed signals and tight space constraints."

The low junction capacitance means that, unlike competitive devices having relatively high capacitance, the LCDA15-1 has a negligible impact on the integrity of high data-rate signals. In contrast, higher-capacitance transient protection devices can distort high data-rate signals on the lines they are intended to protect, compromising signal integrity and increasing the chance of data errors.

Married to the low capacitance of the LCDA15-1 is an impressive 15A (tp=8/20us) surge capacity, affording compliance with the IEC 61000-4-5 specification for lightning protection, which is difficult to achieve using discrete components. The LCDA15-1 also meets the IEC 61000-4-2, Level 4 specification for ESD protection.

In addition, the latest ADSL transceivers, as well as other chips that are sensitive to negative-going transients, are further protected by the LCDA15-1's unidirectional conduction characteristic, which limits the amplitude of negative surges to a forward bias voltage. Other key electrical characteristics of the LCDA15-1 include a low clamping voltage (less than 24V at IPP =1A) and low reverse leakage current (less than 5 uA at VRWM=15V).

From a mechanical standpoint, the LCDA15-1 features a diminutive SOT-143 package that conserves scarce board space. Moreover, the chip's pin layout lets the device connect directly across parallel circuit-bard traces; a layout that not only simplifies board placement, but also minimizes trace inductance. As an integrated device, the LCDA15-1 not only saves space and cost over discrete approach but is inherently more reliable.

Key Features of the LCDA15-1

-- Low capacitance (less than 15 pF) preserves integrity of high speed signals

-- 15A surge capability (tp=8/20us) protects against tertiary lightning, ESD

-- Unidirectional characteristic protects ICs sensitive to negative excursions

-- Space saving SOT-143 package

-- Pin layout reduces inductance and simplifies board placement

Pricing and Availability

The LCDA15-1 Low-Capacitance Transient Suppressor is available in sample quantities now, with production volumes available now. Pricing for the device is $0.79 per unit in 10,000 unit quantities. Products are delivered in tape-and-reel format per EIA 481.

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, high-performance 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 Corp. at 652 Mitchell Road, Newbury Park, CA. 91320; phone [phone]; email to [e-mail]; or visit its Web site at www.semtech.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A "u" represents the micron symbol when used as part of "(tp=8/20us)" or "uA" throughout this release. Also the letters "PP" should appear in subscript in "(less than 24V at IPP =1A)" and the letters "RWM" should appear as subscript in "(less than 5 uA at VRWM=15V)"