ROHM has introduced the RESDxVx series of ESD protection diodes, combining exceptionally low dynamic resistance and ultra-low capacitance to support high-speed data communication applications.
In recent years, the rapid adoption of high-speed data transmission, coupled with the miniaturization of high-performance electronics, has transformed the industrial and automotive markets. Consequently, system-level ESD requirements for boards and modules are becoming significantly stricter each year. At the same time, advances in functionality and smaller form factors have inherently reduced IC tolerance to electrical overstress (EOS) and ESD. This has driven a surge in demand for external ESD protection devices that can deliver both low capacitance to preserve high-speed signal integrity and low dynamic resistance to robustly protect fragile ICs.
In next-generation communications exceeding 10 Gbps, even marginal parasitic capacitance can severely distort signal waveforms. However, reducing parasitic capacitance invariably creates a trade-off with dynamic resistance, making it difficult to achieve high communication quality with superior IC protection.
To address this challenge, ROHM developed the RESDxVx series. It is designed to support high-speed communication by lowering capacitance and dynamic resistance. For interfaces exceeding 10 Gbps, minimizing signal degradation while ensuring robust IC protection is paramount. ROHM’s new diodes achieve ultra-low terminal capacitance of just 0.24 pF (bidirectional) and 0.48 pF (unidirectional). Furthermore, the series successfully breaks the traditional capacitance-resistance trade-off by reducing dynamic resistance to a mere 0.28 Ω. This results in a clamping voltage approximately 40% lower than conventional products, delivering superior IC protection.
These features significantly enhance reliability across a wide range of high-speed data communication equipment, from industrial infrastructure such as AI servers and 5G/6G base stations to consumer electronics such as notebook PCs and gaming consoles. In addition, the RESDxVxBASAFH and RESDxVxUASAFH, housed in the DFN1006‑2W package, are AEC‑Q101 qualified, making them ideal for demanding automotive applications including cameras for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving (AD) cameras, as well as Electronic Control Units (ECUs) utilizing SerDes communication.
Looking ahead, ROHM will continue to strengthen its lineup of low-capacitance ESD protection and TVS diodes, while advancing electronics technologies spanning AI servers, communication infrastructure, and autonomous driving systems – all in pursuit of a safer, more secure, and more comfortable digital society.
Application Examples
Ideal for use in devices equipped with a wide range of interfaces, including USB4, USB 3.x, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, DisplayPort, PCI Express, LVDS, MIPI D-PHY/C-PHY, as well as automotive SerDes and automotive Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps).
◆ Industrial equipment: AI servers, data centers, routers, optical transceivers, 5G/6G-compatible base stations, FA equipment cameras, and more.
◆ Consumer devices: PCs, servers, USB dongles, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, AV equipment, communication antennas, etc.
◆ Automotive systems: Cameras for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Autonomous Driving (AD), surround view, and rear view; in-vehicle infotainment systems; body control ECUs; and head units (audio and display).
Online Sales Information
Sales Launch Date: Now Available
Pricing: $0.44/unit (samples, excluding tax)
Online Distributors: DigiKey
The products will be offered at other online distributors as they become available.
Products:
DSN0603-2J Package: RESD3V3BAED, RESD5V0BAED, RESD3V3UCED, RESD3V6UCED
DFN1006-2W Package: RESD3V3BASAFH, RESD5V0BASAFH, RESD3V3UASAFH, RESD5V0UASAFH
Terminology
Dynamic Resistance
A parameter indicating the rate of voltage increase relative to changes in current when the ESD protection diode is safeguarding an IC; also known as dynamic (operating) resistance. A lower value minimizes terminal voltage rise for the same discharge current, reducing electrical stress on the IC while enhancing protection performance.
ESD Protection Diode
A semiconductor device designed to shield circuits from overvoltage, surges, and electrostatic discharge (ESD). By absorbing sudden voltage and current spikes (surges), it prevents circuit damage and malfunction. In automotive environments, protection against severe electrical fluctuations is crucial.
Terminal Capacitance
Parasitic capacitance inherent to electronic components. Excessive terminal capacitance can cause signal degradation during high-speed transmission, making its reduction especially important for in-vehicle communication.
Clamp Voltage
The voltage maintained in the circuit when the ESD protection diode suppresses overvoltage caused by surges or other transient events. A lower clamping voltage provides more effective protection for circuits and devices, increasing the reliability of automotive equipment.
SerDes
A communication method that enables high-speed transmission of large volumes of data using a pair of ICs. On the transmitting side, a serializer combines multiple digital signal data into a single high-speed serial stream, which is then restored into the original format by a deserializer on the receiving end. The ability to transfer massive amounts of data at speeds ranging from several Gbps to several tens of Gbps makes it widely used in high‑speed interfaces for PCs, servers, and video camera video systems.
