STMicroelectronics ESDA5V3SC5

Overview

ESDA5V3SC5 from STMicroelectronics is a quad unidirectional Transil™ ESD protection array in SOT23-5L package, designed to clamp transient overvoltages on data lines to ±30 kV (IEC 61000-4-2), with 5.3 V minimum breakdown voltage, 320 pF capacitance at 0 V, and 22 A peak pulse current (8/20 µs). It protects USB, HDMI, and audio interfaces in portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the ESDA5V3SC5 datasheet, ESDA5V3SC5 pinout, ESDA5V3SC5 application, or ESDA5V3SC5 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage under 12 V at 22 A, leakage current ≤1 µA at 5 V, thermal stability across –55 °C to +150 °C, and compatibility with high-density PCB layouts requiring <1.75 mm × 2.8 mm footprint.

Technical Context

The ESDA5V3SC5 integrates four independent unidirectional avalanche diodes in a monolithic silicon structure, each configured as a low-capacitance transient voltage suppressor. Its clamping action begins just above V_CC for positive transients and drops to ~0.7 V below ground for negative transients, enabling logic-level-compatible protection without signal distortion.

It operates within a junction temperature range of –55 °C to +150 °C and maintains stable electrical characteristics via a voltage temperature coefficient of 5×10^–4/°C. The device complies with IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (30 kV air/contact discharge) and MIL-STD-883E Class 3B HBM.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23-5L (SC-59) surface-mount package: 1.65 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, 1.3 mm height, lead-free ECOPACK® compliant, UL94 V0 epoxy, rated for 260 °C soldering (10 s).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPD4E001DRYR and ESD5Z5.0T1G, ESDA5V3SC5 delivers integrated 4-channel protection with balanced clamping, lower total parasitic inductance, and proven reliability in consumer handhelds-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained USB/audio designs where channel count and layout simplicity are critical.

Availability

ESDA5V3SC5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB interface protection, HDMI data line hardening, smartphone audio jack safeguarding, and industrial RS-485 transceiver shielding requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for ESDA5V3SC5 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 microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and protection devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The ESDAxxSCx series was developed specifically for high-density data-line ESD protection in portable electronics, emphasizing low capacitance, multi-channel integration, and IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 compliance in miniature packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended PCB trace length between ESDA5V3SC5 and the protected connector?

Trace length should not exceed 3 mm from each pin to its corresponding data line and ground. Longer traces increase inductance, degrading clamping response time and allowing voltage overshoot beyond 12 V during 30 kV ESD events. ST's layout guidelines specify direct placement adjacent to the connector with dedicated ground vias under pin 5.

Does ESDA5V3SC5 require external biasing or series resistors for USB 2.0 D+ and D– lines?

No external biasing or series resistors are required. The device operates passively and is designed for direct connection between data lines and ground/V_CC. Its 5.3 V breakdown and unidirectional configuration ensure no DC loading of 3.3 V or 5 V USB transceivers, preserving eye diagram integrity and full-speed signaling compliance.

Can ESDA5V3SC5 be used to protect bidirectional data lines like I²C?

No - ESDA5V3SC5 is unidirectional and unsuitable for true bidirectional buses like I²C that swing both above and below V_CC. For I²C, a bidirectional array such as ESDALC6V1-1U2 is required. Using ESDA5V3SC5 on I²C would forward-bias during high-to-low transitions, causing excessive leakage and bus lockup.

How does the 5×10^–4/°C voltage temperature coefficient affect clamping performance at 105 °C ambient?

At 105 °C junction temperature, V_BR increases by 0.04 V (5.3 V × 5×10^–4/°C × 80 °C), shifting clamping onset slightly higher but remaining well within 5.5 V. V_CL remains stable due to avalanche physics, ensuring continued protection margin for 5 V systems even under sustained thermal stress.