APPLICATION INFORMATION

ESD Protection

ESD Test Conditions

Human Body Model (HBM)

−

+

DUT

1.5 k

Ω

100 pF

MAX3243E

TI MAX3243E devices have standard ESD protection structures incorporated on the pins to protect against

electrostatic discharges encountered during assembly and handling. In addition, the RS232 bus pins (driver

outputs and receiver inputs) of these devices have an extra level of ESD protection. Advanced ESD structures

were designed to successfully protect these bus pins against ESD discharge of ±15-kV in all states: normal

operation, shutdown, and powered down. The MAX3243E devices are designed to continue functioning properly

after an ESD occurrence without any latchup.

The MAX3243E devices have three specified ESD limits on the driver outputs and receiver inputs, with respect to

GND:

• ±15-kV Human Body Model (HBM)

• ±15-kV IEC61000-4-2, Air-Gap Discharge (formerly IEC1000-4-2)

• ±8-kV IEC61000-4-2, Contact Discharge

ESD testing is stringently performed by TI, based on various conditions and procedures. Please contact TI for a

reliability report that documents test setup, methodology, and results.

The Human Body Model of ESD testing is shown in Figure 7, while Figure 8 shows the current waveform that is

generated during a discharge into a low impedance. The model consists of a 100-pF capacitor, charged to the

ESD voltage of concern, and subsequently discharged into the DUT through a 1.5k-

Ω resistor.

Figure 7. HBM ESD Test Circuit

Copyright © 2005–2009, Texas Instruments Incorporated

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Product Folder Link(s): MAX3243E