SurgeSwitch™ Circuit Protection

  Semtech's SurgeSwitch circuit protection provides highly effective protection against electrical overstress (EOS) and electrostatic discharge (ESD) events. These devices have superior clamping and stability over temperature compared to standard TVS devices. Unlike TVS diodes, SurgeSwitch devices do not use a conventional PN junction for the breakdown mechanism. Instead, these devices employ a surge-related FET with a driving circuit as the primary surge current shunting element, effectively working as voltage-controlled switches. A precisely tuned trigger circuit activates the shunt FET when an EOS event is detected. During an EOS event, transient voltage increases beyond the rated breakdown voltage of the device. The FET, in turn, switches on and safely diverts transient current to the ground to safeguard the integrated circuit.