ESD suppressor stops transients at
the connector
As circuits race toward higher operating frequencies, they become more
susceptible to electrostatic discharge–thus making the need for effective
transient protection more critical. Last year, Bourns' ChipGuard ESD suppressor
emerged as a means of providing effective transient protection right at
the connector.
The ChipGuard suppressor is a flexible 0.015-in.-thick device that press-fits
over a D-subminiature connector and stops ESD right at the connector to
protect high-speed ICs and transistors. It eliminates the board design
cost and space required for external transient suppression devices. ChipGuard
can be retrofitted onto existing connectors and can protect older products
whose circuit boards may not be designed to meet the latest voltage protection
standards.
Inside the ChipGuard suppressor device is an array of stainless-steel
spring contacts and a ground plane. A patented thin, flexible, voltage-variable
material fills the narrow gap between the individual spring contacts and
the ground plane.
Designed to mount over a D-subminiature connector, the ChipGuard
ESD suppressor stops transients right at the connector to protect high-speed IC chips.
Normally, this voltage-variable material is nonfunctional, acting as
an insulator. But when subjected to a transient, the material becomes conductive,
shunting the transient from the connector pin through the voltage-variable
material to the ground plane and the connector's metal shell, to chassis
ground. The material reverts back to its insulator state once the transient
subsides.
With a clamping speed of 2 ns, the ChipGuard is faster than many other
transient suppression devices. Other specifications include a clamping
voltage of 100 V typ, an off-state insulation resistance of 500 kilohm
at 30 Vdc, and a capacitance of 3 pF at 1 kHz. Operating temperature range
is –65° to +125°C.
The ChipGuard will not degrade under repeated use and meets IEC-1000-4-2,
EN 50082-1, and other IC protection requirements. Versions are available
for connectors with 9, 15, 25, 37, or 50 contacts. (Nine-contact version,
$3.63 ea/10–stock.)
Bourns
Riverside, CA
Debby Barton 801-786-6295
Fax 801-786-6228
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