Date: 01/06/2009

Sharp chooses CMD's CM1234 to handle ESD protection task in its LCD TVs

Sharp Electronics has selected California Micro Devices (CMD) CM1234 low capacitance electrostatic discharge (ESD) devices to protect multiple HDMI video ports in its six models of the Aquos E series full HD LCD TVs and five models of the Aquos BD series LCD TVs. The CM1234 offer ESD protection of ±15kV contact discharge, and ±20kV air discharge per the IEC61000-4-2 standard.

"Sharp has specific requirements for higher levels of ESD protection combined with superior signal integrity performance for the HDMI ports", stated Kyle Baker, vice president of marketing for California Micro Devices. "Our PicoGuard XS architecture with a unique matched impedance design that optimizes both ESD performance and signal integrity was ideally positioned to meet those exacting requirements."

CMD explanation of the benefits of PicoGuard XS architecture is, PicoGuard XS architecture integrates inductors with the ESD diodes to create fixed point impedance matching for high speed data lines. Traditionally, system designers compensate for the capacitance of the ESD protection device by adding external inductance and or eliminating capacitance under the signal traces. These approaches add complexity, cost, and are PCB board dependent, limiting the ability to use multiple board vendors. The CM1234 eliminates the need for these measures, providing matched impedance with no external compensation or components required. Compared with current best in class ESD diode arrays, the CM1234 offers a 40% reduction in peak clamping voltage and a 15-40% reduction in peak residual current.