Diode Array protects up to six signal lines

A new Application Specific Discretes (ASD) device from SGS- THOMSON Microelectronics is particularly suitable for protecting high speed transmission lines such as Ethernet (10-BASE-T driver and receiver), Token Ring or ATM interfaces. Housed in a compact surface mounting SO-8 package, the DA112S1 contains 12 diodes configured as six cells of two series-connected diodes. These are used to clamp up to six signals to a fixed reference, thereby protecting against damage caused by voltage transients. The reference can be a supply rail or a TRANSIL clamping device.

Each of the DA112S1's 12 diodes can withstand a peak reverse voltage of 18V, allowing the device to be used to protect signals in 3V, 5V and 12V systems. The repetitive peak forward current (8/20us surge) is 12A and diodes can be connected in parallel to increase surge capability if needed. The diodes feature a very low capacitance of less than 35pF, allowing the DA112S1 to be used to protect lines with very high transmission rates without distortion.

Like all ASD devices, the DA112S1 offers significant savings in costs and board area by replacing numerous discrete components by a single compact package. In a typical 10-BASE-T application, a single DA112S1 provides protection for the two twisted pairs, with the diodes connected in series to reduce the capacitance to typically 15pF.
ASD and TRANSIL are trademarks of SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics.

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