ROHM has unveiled its latest range of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protection diodes, the RESDxVx series, engineered to meet the demanding requirements of modern high-speed communication systems exceeding 10 Gbps. These new devices combine exceptionally low dynamic resistance with ultra-low capacitance, enabling both superior signal integrity and robust circuit protection.
Meeting the Challenges of High-Speed Electronics
As industries rapidly adopt high-speed data transmission and continue to shrink device form factors, both industrial and automotive systems are facing increasingly stringent ESD requirements. At the same time, highly integrated ICs are becoming more sensitive to electrical overstress (EOS) and electrostatic discharge. This shift has intensified the need for external protection components that can safeguard delicate circuits without compromising performance.
One of the biggest technical hurdles in this space is the trade-off between capacitance and dynamic resistance. Lower capacitance is essential to maintain signal quality at high data rates, but it often comes at the cost of higher resistance, reducing protection efficiency.
Breakthrough in Performance
ROHM addresses this long-standing challenge with the RESDxVx series, which successfully balances both parameters. The diodes feature:
- Ultra-low capacitance: 0.24 pF (bidirectional) and 0.48 pF (unidirectional)
- Very low dynamic resistance: just 0.28 Ω
- Reduced clamping voltage: approximately 40% lower than conventional solutions
This combination ensures minimal signal distortion while delivering stronger protection for sensitive ICs, making the devices ideal for next-generation communication interfaces.
Wide-Ranging Applications
The RESDxVx series is designed for versatility across multiple industries and applications, including:
- High-speed interfaces: USB4, USB 3.x, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, DisplayPort, PCIe, LVDS, MIPI D-PHY/C-PHY
- Industrial systems: AI servers, data centers, routers, optical modules, and 5G/6G base stations
- Consumer electronics: laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles, tablets, and AV equipment
- Automotive solutions: ADAS cameras, autonomous driving systems, infotainment units, and ECUs
Notably, models such as RESDxVxBASAFH and RESDxVxUASAFH come in compact DFN1006-2W packages and are AEC-Q101 qualified, ensuring reliability in harsh automotive environments.
Availability and Pricing
The RESDxVx series is now available through leading distributors such as DigiKey, with sample pricing starting at approximately $0.44 per unit (excluding taxes). Broader availability across additional distribution channels is expected soon.
Looking Ahead
With the introduction of this series, ROHM continues to strengthen its portfolio of low-capacitance ESD and TVS protection devices. The company remains focused on supporting emerging technologies across AI infrastructure, advanced communications, and autonomous mobility—helping to build a safer, more connected digital future.
Key Technical Terms Explained
Dynamic Resistance: Indicates how much voltage rises with current during protection; lower values mean better suppression of voltage spikes.
- Terminal Capacitance: Unwanted capacitance that can degrade signals, especially critical in high-speed data transmission.
- Clamping Voltage: The maximum voltage allowed during a surge; lower values provide better protection.
- ESD Protection Diode: A device that absorbs sudden voltage spikes to protect sensitive electronics.
- SerDes (Serializer/Deserializer): Technology used to transmit large volumes of data at very high speeds over fewer lines.
