Analog Circuit Design Volume Three

Chapter 395

ESD testing for RS232 interface circuits

Gary Maulding

Abstract

ESD testing for RS232 interface circuits is discussed.

Keywords

RS232 interface

ESD testing

LT1331

LT1180A

In 1992 Linear Technology introduced the first RS232 interface circuits capable of surviving in excess of ±10kV ESD transients. Since that time, LTC has introduced more than 30 products with this level of protection. The inherent ruggedness of these products eliminates the need to use external protection devices in most applications. Not one unit has been returned from the field to Linear Technology for an ESD related failure analysis since the enhanced ESD protected devices were introduced.

The ±10kV ESD voltage rating is based on the human body ESD model. ...