STMicroelectronics DVIULC6-4SC6Y

Overview

DVIULC6-4SC6Y from STMicroelectronics is an AEC-Q101-qualified, monolithic 4-line ESD protection diode array for high-speed digital interfaces. It delivers ultralow capacitance (0.6 pF at 825 MHz), ±18 kV IEC 61000-4-2 contact/air discharge rating, and matched I/O-to-GND (±0.015 pF) and I/O-to-I/O (±0.007 pF) capacitance tolerance-enabling signal integrity up to 1.65 Gb/s in DVI/HDMI links.

For engineers reviewing the DVIULC6-4SC6Y datasheet, DVIULC6-4SC6Y pinout, DVIULC6-4SC6Y application, or DVIULC6-4SC6Y equivalent, key selection criteria include line capacitance matching tolerance, rail-to-rail clamping architecture, ISO 7637-3 Pulse 3a/3b surge response, VBUS protection capability, and SOT23-6L footprint compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The device implements a rail-to-rail topology with bidirectional clamping between each I/O line and both VBUS and GND, enabling symmetric positive/negative ESD voltage suppression. Its monolithic construction ensures precise inter-pin capacitance matching critical for minimizing intra-pair skew in differential buses like TMDS and USB 2.0.

Clamping behavior follows VCL⁺ = VBUS + VF and VCL⁻ = –VF, where VF ≈ 1.2 V threshold + 1.4 Ω × IPP dynamic drop. At 5 A (8/20 μs), clamping is 17 V (I/O-to-GND), validated under ISO 10605 (150/330 pF–330 Ω) and MIL STD883G-3015-7 (±25 kV).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23-6L package: 2.80–3.05 mm × 1.50–1.75 mm × 1.10 mm height, lead-free, UL 94 V0 epoxy, 16.7 mg unit weight.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ESD protection applications.

Compared with TPD4E05U06DQAR and ESD56201D05, DVIULC6-4SC6Y uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, VBUS-referenced rail-to-rail clamping, and certified ISO 7637-3 Pulse 3a/3b performance - making it the only choice for automotive-grade DVI/HDMI protection where transient symmetry and layout-induced overshoot mitigation are critical.

Availability

DVIULC6-4SC6Y is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, industrial HDMI video gateways, and telematics Ethernet interfaces requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101-compliant ESD protection.

Supply support for DVIULC6-4SC6Y includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing analog, microcontroller, power, and sensor solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

DVIULC6-4SC6Y belongs to ST's Ultra-Low Capacitance ESD Protection portfolio, engineered specifically for high-speed differential interfaces where signal fidelity and automotive-grade robustness must coexist.

FAQ

What is the maximum data rate supported by DVIULC6-4SC6Y?

DVIULC6-4SC6Y supports up to 1.65 Gb/s, verified by frequency response measurements (Figure 4) showing <–3 dB attenuation beyond 1 GHz and analog crosstalk <–45 dB up to 240 MHz. This matches HDMI 1.2a and single-link DVI specifications, confirmed by ST's application note AN2689 and DS7241 Rev 3 characterization data.

How does the VBUS pin improve ESD protection compared to GND-only devices?

The VBUS pin enables rail-to-rail clamping, allowing positive transients to clamp to the local supply rail instead of GND alone. This reduces clamping voltage overshoot during fast-rising surges (e.g., IEC 61000-4-2), especially when parasitic inductance is present. As shown in Section 3.2, VBUS referencing lowers VCL⁺ from 183 V (GND-only) to 39 V in modeled conditions.

Is a 100 nF capacitor required on the VBUS pin?

A 100 nF capacitor between VBUS and GND is recommended-not required-but strongly advised when PCB trace length from VBUS to the local supply exceeds 10 mm. It stabilizes VBUS during ESD events, preventing voltage sag that would degrade positive-surge clamping. ST's layout guidelines (Figure 13–14) show this capacitor reduces overshoot by >60% in worst-case parasitic inductance scenarios.

Does DVIULC6-4SC6Y protect all four I/O lines independently?

Yes-each I/O pin (1, 2, 4, 5) has independent bidirectional clamping to both VBUS (pin 6) and GND (pin 3). Table 2 confirms identical CI/O–GND and VCL specs per line, and Figure 10's application schematic shows discrete protection per TMDS pair. No shared current paths compromise channel isolation.