The single-channel PicoGuard CM1282 from California Micro Devices protects antennas from electrostatic discharge (ESD) in FM radio, GPS, Bluetooth, and wireless local-area network (WLAN) handset applications. It also offers very low-capacitance (0.5 pF) antenna port protection and very low insertion loss (less than –0.25 dB) through 1.8 GHz. Low insertion loss is critical because of the very low-power signals received from FM transmitters and GPS satellites.

Article Tools

• 

The CM1282’s dynamic resistance is more than 30% lower and its clamping voltages are 20% lower than competing solutions, according to the company. The amount of dynamic resistance determines the amount of residual current and voltage that the device being protected is subject to during an ESD event. The lower the dynamic resistance of the ESD protection diode, the greater the portion of the current and voltage that is diverted away from the device being protected.

Its 8-kV contact discharge protection meets IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4. Also, its low leakage current is important for battery-operated devices, CMD says. And, the CM1282 meets the linearity mask for 802.11 protocols. It comes in an industry-standard, compact SOD-882 lead-free package that complies with the European Union’s Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS). Samples are available now, priced at $0.06 each in lots of 3000 units. Mass production is planned for April 2009.

California Micro Devices Corp.