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SN65C3232: ESD protection

Part Number: SN65C3232

Hello,

I have a design with SN65C3232 and I am concerned by ESD protection. There is not external ESD protection in the design. So, I have two questions:

  1. Datasheet of SN65C3232 says that has ±15 kV Using Human-Body Model (HBM). Is it enough to avoid external ESD protections?
  2. The device SN65C3232E seems to be more ESD protections. Could improve my design changing to SN65C3232E against ESD events?

BR,

Diego.

  • Hi Diego,

    It's hard to say how much ESD protection is needed without knowing more about the application.  It is certainly a valid concern, though, since ESD can couple to an RS-232 transceiver via the exposed connector ports on a system.  In general, HBM ESD protection is suitable for protecting against damage during handling of the product.  IEC ESD is useful for products operating in harsher/noisier environments and for protecting against discharges with lower contact impedance (such as an operator holding a conductive tool).

    Yes, you could strengthen the ESD immunity of your design either by using an external TVS protection diode or by replacing SN65C3232 with SN65C3232E.  I'd generally recommend this.  It is better to have too much protection than not enough (and risk field failures).

    Max

  • Hi Max,

    Thanks for you reply.

    I am going to change to SN65C3232E without external tvs because I have not space and at this moment PCB is already in production. The final environment is not harsher/noiser, it is a internal connector only for service, so ESD protection has to be suitable for eventually manual db9 cable conection and desconection.

    BR, Diego.