SP0502BAHT
Low-capacitance ESD protection diode array for high-speed data lines. Protects against ±30kV ESD with 0.3pF typical capacitance.
Product Overview
Description
The Littelfuse SP0502BAHT is a low-capacitance ESD protection diode array designed for safeguarding high-speed data lines and sensitive electronics from electrostatic discharge. With ultra-low 0.3pF typical capacitance, this device provides effective ESD protection without degrading signal integrity.
The device protects against ±30kV contact discharge and ±30kV air discharge per IEC 61000-4-2, exceeding Level 4 requirements. The bidirectional configuration protects both positive and negative ESD events, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Packaged in a tiny SOT-23-3 surface-mount package, the SP0502BAHT is ideal for space-constrained applications including USB, HDMI, Ethernet, and other high-speed interfaces. The low leakage current of < 1nA ensures minimal impact on circuit performance.
Product Series
SP05 Series
Primary Application
USB 2.0/3.0 protection
Key Features
- Ultra-low 0.3pF capacitance
- ±30kV ESD protection (IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4)
- Bidirectional protection
- Low leakage current < 1nA
- Fast < 1ns response time
- Compact SOT-23-3 package
- 5V working voltage
- RoHS compliant
Specifications
| workingVoltage | 5V |
|---|---|
| clampingVoltage | 8V typical |
| esdRating | ±30kV (IEC 61000-4-2) |
| capacitance | 0.3pF typical |
| leakageCurrent | < 1nA |
| responseTime | < 1ns |
| package | SOT-23-3 |
| channels | 2 |
Applications
USB 2.0/3.0 protection
Electronic system design
HDMI interfaces
Communication and interface
Ethernet ports
Communication and interface
Antenna protection
Electronic system design
High-speed data lines
Electronic system design
Consumer electronics
Consumer electronics
Smartphones and tablets
Electronic system design
FAE Expert Insights
"The SP0502BAHT is my top recommendation for high-speed interface ESD protection. The ultra-low 0.3pF capacitance is critical for maintaining signal integrity on high-speed lines like USB 3.0 and HDMI - you simply can't use standard TVS diodes with 10-100pF capacitance on these interfaces. I've used this part in numerous consumer electronics designs, and it consistently passes ESD testing while maintaining signal quality. The ±30kV rating exceeds IEC Level 4 requirements, providing excellent margin. One design tip: place the SP0502 as close as possible to the connector, before any series components. The SOT-23-3 package is small but still manageable for hand soldering if needed. For differential pairs, use one SP0502 per line. The low leakage current is important for battery-powered devices - you don't want your protection circuit draining the battery."
Ultra-low capacitance ESD protection ideal for high-speed interfaces
— David Wang, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is low capacitance important for ESD protection on high-speed lines?
Low capacitance is critical for ESD protection on high-speed data lines because: (1) Signal Integrity - High capacitance creates an RC low-pass filter with the line impedance, degrading signal rise/fall times and reducing bandwidth. For USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) or HDMI, even a few picofarads can significantly impact signal quality; (2) Impedance Matching - High capacitance causes impedance discontinuities on controlled-impedance traces, leading to reflections and signal degradation; (3) Power Dissipation - While less critical for ESD, capacitive loading increases driver power consumption. The SP0502BAHT's 0.3pF capacitance is negligible for most high-speed interfaces. For comparison, standard TVS diodes have 10-100pF capacitance, which would severely degrade USB 3.0 or HDMI signals. Always check the capacitance specification when selecting ESD protection for high-speed lines. The capacitance should be < 1pF for USB 3.0, < 0.5pF for HDMI, and < 0.3pF for higher speed interfaces like USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt.
Use ultra-low capacitance ESD devices (< 1pF) for high-speed interfaces. Standard TVS diodes are not suitable for USB 3.0, HDMI, or similar high-speed signals.