ROHM’s new ESD diodes protect 10+ Gbps automotive interfaces

ROHM Semiconductor has launched the RESDxVx series, a new line of electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection diodes designed specifically for high-speed interfaces operating at data rates above 10 Gbps. These devices feature exceptionally low terminal capacitance—0.24 pF for bidirectional and 0.48 pF for unidirectional models—combined with a dynamic resistance of just 0.28 Ω. This balance is crucial in preventing signal distortion caused by parasitic capacitance, a common challenge in high-frequency automotive and data communication systems. The RESDxVx series addresses a longstanding trade-off in ESD protection technology, where reducing capacitance typically results in higher dynamic resistance, thereby weakening the device’s clamping performance. ROHM claims its new diodes achieve a clamping voltage approximately 40% lower than comparable products with similar capacitance, offering enhanced protection for sensitive downstream integrated circuits. This improvement is particularly significant for maintaining signal integrity and safeguarding critical components in demanding environments. Automotive-qualified variants of the RESDxVx series, which include models such as the RESD3V3BASAFH and RESD5V0BASAFH, have received AEC-Q101 certification, underscoring their reliability for automotive applications. These diodes are intended for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving cameras, surround view systems, and electronic control units (ECUs) that utilise SerDes communication protocols. Their robust performance in these safety-critical systems highlights ROHM’s commitment to meeting the stringent requirements of the automotive sector. Beyond automotive use, ROHM offers non-automotive versions in compact DSN0603-2J packages aimed at high-speed data centre infrastructure and consumer electronics. These include applications such as AI servers, 5G and 6G base stations, and interfaces like USB4, Thunderbolt 4, PCIe, HDMI, and DisplayPort. The broad applicability of the RESDxVx series reflects the growing demand for reliable, high-performance ESD protection in both industrial and consumer technology markets, signalling a significant step forward in safeguarding next-generation high-speed data transmission systems.