NXP Paves Way For USB Type C Connectors In Mobile Devices

When USB was first introduced in the mid-1990s it went on to become the defining standard in computer connectivity. In its long history there have been various iterations of the USB connector including; USB 2.0 A, B, mini B and micro B; and USB 3.0 A, B and micro B. Now a new type of USB connection is about to join the USB family, the Type-C connector.

The new connector – at a size of 8.3mm x 2.5mm – will make SuperSpeed USB highly attractive for portable devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. Though slightly larger than the current Micro USB, the Type C connector will support faster charging. This makes it compatible not only for small mobile devices but larger devices such as tablet computers.

Another key advantage to this connector is that there is no ‘right way up’ and can be plugged in either way, making it more convenient for users.

USB Type C connector supplied with courtesy of Foxconn Interconnect Technology

NXP ESD Protection

To support this new industry defining connector NXP has released the new PUSB3TB6, a very small ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD) protection device designed to protect six ultra high-speed data lines.

It comes in a very compact DSN2111-7 (SOT1358-1) package and offers pass-through routing in combination with a relaxed 0.5 mm pin pitch. It also has a very low capacitance of 0.27 pF (typical) at 0V to support signal integrity.

A test board with PUSB3TB6 passed the eye-diagram requirement of Super-Speed Plus USB at 10 Gbit/s.NXP’s industry-proven deep snap-back ESD protection technology, in combination with a very low dynamic resistance of 0.5 Ohm provides a superior system-chip protection.

Rugged, compact design

Since portable devices, like smartphones, are likely to be dropped during their lifetime, NXP has subjected PUSB3TB6 to rigorous drop tests according to ESD22-B111/JESD22-A104-B. Using this testing procedure NXP can ensure functionality even after a large number of device drops. PUSB3TB6 has survived more than 1000 of these drops without failures. One device was even cycled 2000 times without failure.

The staggered pinning layout of PUSB3TB6 allows a very robust and compact package. Avoiding very long and narrow packages is one of the measures contributing to the high robustness of PUSB3TB6. Due to the integration of protection for six data lines, the new Type-C connector can be protected using a minimum number of devices.

To support the design-in, demonstration boards and layout recommendations can be provided. For more information about PUSB3TB6 go to ESD protection for ultra high-speed interfaces