ST USBLC6-2SC6

Product FAQ

• 1. What are the key electrical characteristics of the ST USBLC6-2SC6 ESD protection device?
  The ST USBLC6-2SC6 is a monolithic application-specific device dedicated to ESD protection of high-speed interfaces such as USB 2.0, Ethernet links, and video lines. It provides protection for two data lines and the USB VBUS line while supporting USB 2.0 High-Speed signaling up to 480Mb/s. The device features a maximum line capacitance of 3.5pF to help maintain signal integrity and a maximum leakage current of 150nA under normal operating conditions. It is available in a compact SOT23-6L package and complies with IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 ESD protection, supporting 15kV air discharge and 8kV contact discharge.
• 2. Which interfaces can the USBLC6-2SC6 protect?
  The USBLC6-2SC6 is designed to protect USB 2.0 interfaces, including High-Speed operation up to 480Mb/s and compatibility with USB 1.1 Low-Speed and Full-Speed devices. In addition to USB applications, it is suitable for protecting 10/100Mb/s Ethernet ports, SIM card interfaces, video signal lines, and other high-speed, low-voltage interfaces. Its integrated protection covers both the USB data lines (D+ and D−) and the VBUS supply line within a single device.
• 3. What level of ESD protection does the USBLC6-2SC6 provide?
  The USBLC6-2SC6 complies with IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4, supporting 15kV air discharge and 8kV contact discharge at the device level. Its monolithic rail-to-rail protection architecture delivers a fast transient response while keeping the two USB data lines closely matched, with a typical capacitance mismatch between them of just 0.04pF — important for preserving signal balance on high-speed lines.
• 4. What PCB layout practices help maximize ESD protection performance with the USBLC6-2SC6?
  For the best ESD protection performance, the USBLC6-2SC6 should be placed as close as possible to the USB connector or other disturbance source. ST recommends keeping the connections between the connector, the protection device, the VBUS supply, and the ground plane as short as possible, since even short PCB traces add parasitic inductance that can significantly increase clamping voltage during an ESD event. The device's compact SOT23-6L package is suited to standard surface-mount assembly close to the connector.
• 5. Why is the USBLC6-2SC6 a common choice for USB interface protection?
  The USBLC6-2SC6 combines data-line and VBUS ESD protection in a single monolithic device. Its low line capacitance (3.5pF max) keeps it suitable for high-speed signaling, and it is rated for use across USB 2.0, Ethernet, SIM card, and video-line applications.