Semtech’s Space Saving Filter Devices Protect High-Resolution LCD Screens on 3G Phones

EClamp237xK family joins Semtech protection platform offering high attenuation for lines operating up to 2.5 GHz

Camarillo, California - December 18, 2008

Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, today announced the EClamp™237xK family of resistor-capacitor (R-C) protection devices with the low capacitance, high attenuation and low clamping voltage needed for high-resolution color LCD interfaces in GSM and CDMA-based 3G handsets. 

The devices expand Semtech’s EMIClampTM protection products portfolio by safeguarding lines from cellular frequencies between 1.8 GHz to 2.5 GHz – the data rates required by the latest generation of high-resolution LCD screens used for visually oriented 3G handsets.  The EClamp237xK series includes the four-line EClamp2374K, the six-line EClamp2376K and the eight-line EClamp2378K. These EClamp237xK devices have a very low C(in) value of 20pF, and together with a series resistance of 100, they provide greater than 30dB attenuation for cell phone frequencies.

The EClamp237xK packages are narrow (1.3 mm) and low profile (0.50mm) with a variable length depending on the number of lines supported. The flow-through design of the devices simplifies signal routing for a faster and more convenient layout.  These parts feature a 400-micron lead pitch saving up to 33 percent in board space compared to 500 micron pitch parts, and with a height reduction of 14 percent, they enable filter protection in low-profile designs.

Each device in the family includes TVS diodes for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection and an R-C network for electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) filtering.  The devices complement Semtech’s EClamp238xK series of resistor-capacitor (R-C) devices, giving designers more flexibility for protecting color LCD displays.

The EClamp237xK devices are available in the RoHS/WEEE-compliant Semtech Leadless Package (SLP), which offers the same small, low-profile design as “flip chip” alternatives, but with increased manufacturing durability. The high integration of the EClamp237xK devices replaces 32 discrete passive devices in a typical handset design, thus saving board space.

“While higher-resolution screens on handsets are enabling a wide range of new consumer services, they still remain a high EMI/ESD threat environment,” said Rick Hansen, Semtech's Director of Marketing for Protection Products. “This new product family gives manufacturers both the higher data rates they need for these LCDs as well as the low profile and small size that provides a lot of design flexibility for smaller handset form factors.”

While these products offer designers the benefit of significant board space savings, their small size and RoHS & WEEE compliance also contributes to energy conservation and hazardous waste reduction.

Key Features of the EClamp237xK

• Protection and filtering for 4, 6, or 8 lines
• Three-pole R-C filters for high level of feature integration
• SLP package offers flow-through design with manufacturing durability
• 500 micron package height and 400 micron lead pitch
• Filter performance: 30dB minimum attenuation 1.8 GHz to 2.5 GHz
• Resistor series: 100 Ohm; Capacitors: 20pF
• ESD protection to IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (±15kV air; ±8kV contact)

Pricing and Availability

The EClamp2374K (order code: EClamp2374K.TCT) is priced at $0.25 each in 1,000-piece lots; the EClamp2376K (order code: EClamp2376K.TCT) is priced at $0.33 each in 1,000-piece lots; and the EClamp2378K (order code: EClamp2378K.TCT) is priced at $0.40 each in 1,000-piece lots.  All three parts are available immediately in production quantities.   Semtech offers comprehensive design assistance, including field- and factory-based support. Data sheets, volume pricing, and delivery quotes, as well as evaluation kits and samples, are available by contacting info@semtech.com.

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