The Littelfuse hybrid protection module protects Ethernet ports from sustained overcurrent and overvoltage damage

Littelfuse introduces the first in a series of transient suppression diode arrays (SPA diodes). This series of products is designed to protect the two lines of the 10/100/1000BaseT Ethernet port from damage due to continuous overcurrent and overvoltage. The through-wiring enables the circuit of the SP4031 series hybrid protection module to protect the Ethernet PHY chip from electrostatic discharge (ESD) and surge caused by lightning strikes.

In the event of prolonged overvoltage problems such as power failure, the component will exhibit high impedance. After the power failure is eliminated, the high impedance state is reset. In the event of fast transients, the component clamps to protect the downstream chipset from damage due to surges or ESD.

The SP4031 series' low load capacitance (only 2.5pF per input/output) and high surge processing capacity (up to 35A) make it ideal for protecting Ethernet and other high-speed data interfaces. Typical applications for the SP4031 series of hybrid protection modules include 10/100/1000BaseT Ethernet, (ITU K.21 basic level compliance) as well as integrated magnetic components or ADSL/VDSL/G.fast modems, industrial Ethernet, and smart TVS.

"The SP4031 series Hybrid protection modules combine some of the best products from the electronics business with some of the best products from the semiconductor business to create a known hybrid solution for Ethernet protection designers." Tim Micun, business development manager for Littelfuse Transient Suppression Diode Arrays (SPA Diodes), said, "Its fast response capability enables faster protection of Ethernet and other high-speed interfaces, which means better protection performance because prolonged exposure to overvoltage or overcurrent can shorten chip life."

The SP4031 series hybrid protection modules offer the following key benefits:

● Proven design for over voltage and over current provides a one-stop Ethernet PHY protection solution.

● Through wiring, low breakdown voltage and low parasitic capacitance make for devices that perform well in Ethernet speeds up to 1000 Mbits.

● Under high current conditions, temporary high impedance is generated to interrupt the flow of the signal line and damage to the PHY chip.