California Micro Devices has introduced the latest ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection device in the XtremeESD family utilising the PicoGuard XS architecture, the CM1238.

It provides eight channels of ESD protection that meet + -15kV contact discharge, and + -20kV air discharge per the IEC61000-4-2 standard and the 100 Ohm differential impedance matching requirements of the HDMI 1.3a and DisplayPort digital video standards, the company said.

The CM1238 reportedly utilises the second generation of the PicoGuard XS architecture based on a smaller diode design that offers enhanced signal integrity, smaller form factor and allows ESD protection at 20kV level. It is suited for digital TVs, LCD displays, notebook computers, set top boxes, and HD DVD recorders.

The CM1238 incorporates the PicoGuard XS architecture that integrates inductors with the diodes to create fixed point impedance matching for high speed data lines.

According to the company, traditionally, system designers must compensate for the capacitance of the ESD protection device by adding external inductance, eliminating capacitance under the signal traces near the ESD device, or both.

The CM1238 is said to eliminate the need for these measures, providing matched impedance with no external compensation or components required.

Kyle Baker, vice president of marketing at California Micro Devices, said: Consumer electronics designers face a broad array of design challenges in meeting consumer requirements for greater functionality and higher performance at ever decreasing prices. The CM1238 creates customer value by providing better performance and a smaller size at a lower price point.