±15kV ESD Protection
As with all Maxim devices, ESD-protection structures
are incorporated on all pins to protect against ESD
encountered during handling and assembly. The
MAX3440E
–
MAX3444E receiver inputs/driver outputs
(A, B) have extra protection against static electricity
found in normal operation. Maxim
’
s engineers have
developed state-of-the-art structures to protect these
pins against ±15kV ESD without damage. After an ESD
event, the MAX3440E
–
MAX3444E continue working
without latchup.
ESD protection can be tested in several ways. The
receiver inputs are characterized for protection to
±15kV using the Human Body Model.
ESD Test Conditions
ESD performance depends on a number of conditions.
Contact Maxim for a reliability report that documents
test setup, methodology, and results.
Human Body Model
Figure 9a shows the Human Body Model, and Figure
9b shows the current waveform it generates when dis-
charged into a low impedance. This model consists of
a 100pF capacitor charged to the ESD voltage of inter-
est, which is then discharged into the device through a
1.5k
resistor.
Driver Output Protection
Two mechanisms prevent excessive output current and
power dissipation caused by faults or bus contention.
The first, a foldback current limit on the driver output
stage, provides immediate protection against short cir-
cuits over the whole common-mode voltage range. The
second, a thermal shutdown circuit, forces the driver out-
puts into a high-impedance state if the die temperature
exceeds +160
°
C. Normal operation resumes when the
die temperature cools to +140
°
C, resulting in a pulsed
output during continuous short-circuit conditions.
M
±15kV ESD-Protected, ±60V Fault-Protected,
10Mbps, Fail-Safe RS-485/J1708 Transceivers
______________________________________________________________________________________
13
CHARGE-CURRENT-
LIMIT RESISTOR
DISCHARGE
RESISTANCE
STORAGE
CAPACITOR
Cs
100pF
R
C
1M
W
R
D
1.5k
W
HIGH-
VOLTAGE
DC
SOURCE
DEVICE
UNDER
TEST
Figure 9a. Human Body ESD Test Model
I
P
100%
90%
36.8%
t
RL
TIME
t
DL
CURRENT WAVEFORM
PEAK-TO-PEAK RINGING
(NOT DRAWN TO SCALE)
Ir
10%
0
0
AMPERES
Figure 9b. Human Body Model Current Waveform