---
title: ESD Protection of USB 2.0 Interfaces
description: An average person connects at least three to four peripheral devices to his or her computer every day using USB 2.0 interfaces. Protecting the USB 2.0 ports from disastrous ESD events is mandatory.
image: https://blog.semtech.com/hubfs/AMW-BLOG-ESB%20Protection%20for%20USB-Banner-1200x600.jpg
---
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- [LoRa®](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
- [LoRa® Overview](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
### LoRa Overview
LoRa is the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things (IoT). Semtech's LoRa chipsets connect sensors to the Cloud and enable real-time communication of data and analytics that can be utilized to enhance efficiency and productivity.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
- [LoRa (PHY)](https://www.semtech.com/lora/what-is-lora)
- [Benefits of LoRa](https://www.semtech.com/lora/why-lora)
- [LoRaWAN® Standard](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lorawan-standard)
- [Products](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf)
- [Applications](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications)
### Applications Overview
With an ever-increasing number of IoT vertical applications, LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN standard is creating business efficiencies and improving lives around the world.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications)
- [Agriculture](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-agriculture)
- [Cities](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-cities)
- [Environment](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-environment)
- [Healthcare](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-healthcare)
- [Buildings](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-buildings)
- [Homes](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-homes)
- [Industrial Control](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-industrial-control)
- [Retail](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-retail)
- [Supply Chain and Logistics](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-supply-chain-logistics)
- [Electricity](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-electricity-metering)
- [Gas](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-gas-metering)
- [Water](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-water-metering)
- [Ecosystem](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem)
### Ecosystem Overview
LoRa is bolstered by a diverse global ecosystem of hardware manufacturers, software designers, network providers, and industry associations.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem)
- [LoRa Alliance®](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/lora-alliance)
- [Featured Sensor Use Cases](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/sensor-features)
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- [Resources](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources)
### Resources Overview
Explore our top resources to help you learn more about LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN standard or bring a LoRa-based solution to market.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources)
- [LoRa Products Overview](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources)
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- [Products Overview](https://www.semtech.com/products)
### Products Overview
Thousands of customers worldwide rely on our diverse product portfolio and world class technology roadmap for solutions in low power wireless communications, optical data transport, video broadcasting, power management, circuit protection, touch sensing, and more.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products)
### Quick Links
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### Products Overview
LoRa®, a long range, low power platform, and the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things, is highly integrated and cost-effective, boasting a notable battery life of up to 20 years, a 3-mile range in urban environments and a 30-mile range outdoors.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf)
- [ICs for Gateways](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/lora-core)
- [ICs for Sensors](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/lora-connect)
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### Products Overview
Sophisticated devices that protect sensitive circuitry from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), Electrical Fast Transients (EFT), Cable Discharge Events (CDE), and other electrical overstress.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection)
### Circuit Protection Products
- [ESD Protection Diodes](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/esd-protection)
- [TVS Diodes](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/tvs-diodes)
### Interfaces
- [Antenna](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/antenna)
- [Automotive Ethernet](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/automotive-ethernet)
- [Automotive High Speed](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/automotive-high-speed)
- [Ethernet](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/ethernet)
- [HDMI](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/hdmi)
- [RS-485](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/rs485)
- [USB](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/usb)
- [VBUS](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/vbus)
- [Signal Integrity](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity)
### Products Overview
A comprehensive portfolio of innovative optical, analog and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions that serve the rising global demand for high-speed data transmission products.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity)
- [Clock & Data Recovery](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/clock-and-data-recovery)
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- [Limiting Amplifiers](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/limiting-amplifiers)
- [ROSAs](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/rosas)
- [Signal Conditioners](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/signal-conditioners)
- [Transimpedance Amplifiers](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/transimpedance-amplifiers)
- [Professional AV](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av)
### Products Overview
Advanced off-the-shelf technology that enables end-to-end systems and integrates advanced inline signal processing capabilities such as light compression, broadcast quality scaling and audio down-mixing.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av)
- [BlueRiver®](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av/blueriver)
- [USB Extension](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av/usb-extension)
- [PerSe® Smart Sensing](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing)
### Products Overview
Ultra-low power, feature-rich touch controllers that are optimized for numerous applications and provide best-in-class sensitivity with robust noise immunity to enhance touch and near range proximity detection.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing)
- [PerSe® Connect](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/perse-connect)
- [PerSe® Contact](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/perse-contact-human-sensor)
- [PerSe® Control](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/perse-control-touch-proximity-sensor)
- [IO Expanders](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/io-expanders)
- [Broadcast Video](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video)
### Products Overview
Award-winning solutions designed specifically to push real-world broadcast boundaries in performance, reach, power, and signal integrity while reducing time to market and design risks.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video)
- [AV Interface & Protocol Conversion](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/av-interface-protocol-conversion)
- [Configurable EQ/CD](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/configurable-eq-cd)
- [Cable Drivers](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/cable-drivers)
- [Cable Equalizers](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/cable-equalizers)
- [Crosspoints](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/crosspoints)
- [Receivers (Deserializers)](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/receivers-deserializers)
- [Reclocking](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/reclocking)
- [Transmitters (Serializers)](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/transmitters-serializers)
- [Power Management](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management)
### Products Overview
A pioneer in power management ICs across networking and industrial power, handheld power and automotive applications, Semtech leads the quest to enable a new class of greener, smarter and smaller end products.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management)
- [EcoBrite LED Drivers](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/ecobrite-led-drivers)
- [EcoSpeed DC-DC Converters](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/ecospeed-dc-dc-converters)
- [FemtoBuck DC-DC Regulators and Controllers](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/femtobuck-dc-dc-regulators-controllers)
- [FemtoSwitch Load Switch ICs](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/femtoswitch-switches)
- [nanoSmart LDOs](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/nanosmart-ldos)
- [Neo-Iso Solid State Relays](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/neo-iso-solid-state-relays)
- [Special Functions](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/special-functions)
- [Cellular IoT Solutions](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions)
### Products Overview
Leading edge-to-Cloud solutions delivering the device, software and connectivity services needed to simplify and accelerate data-driven transformation with cellular IoT.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions)
- [Managed Connectivity](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions/managed-connectivity)
- [Modules](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions/modules)
- [Router Solutions](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions/router-solutions)
- [Technology](https://www.semtech.com/technology)
- [Technology Overview](https://www.semtech.com/technology)
### Technology Overview
Our highly differentiated, disruptive analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms enable today's most innovative electronics within some of the fastest growing verticals and markets.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology)
### Quick Links
- [Related Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
- [LoRa White Papers & Infographics](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-white-papers)
- [Product Selector Guides](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/product-guides)
- [LoRa® Wireless RF For The IoT](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
### LoRa Wireless RF For The IoT Overview
LoRa is the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things (IoT). Semtech's LoRa chipsets connect sensors to the Cloud and enable real-time communication of data and analytics that can be utilized to enhance efficiency and productivity.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
- [LoRa (PHY)](https://www.semtech.com/lora/what-is-lora)
- [Benefits of LoRa](https://www.semtech.com/lora/why-lora)
- [LoRaWAN® Standard](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lorawan-standard)
- [PerSe® Smart Sensing](https://www.semtech.com/technology/perse)
### PerSe® Smart Sensing Overview
Semtech's PerSe technology intelligently senses human presence for optimized connectivity and enhanced user experience.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/perse)
### Quick Links
- [Infographic](https://info.semtech.com/perse-smart-sensing-infographic)
- [Brochure](https://www.semtech.com/uploads/common/PerSe_One_Pager.pdf)
- [Blogs](https://blog.semtech.com/topic/perse)
- [Products](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing)
- [Tri-Edge™ PAM4 CDR](https://www.semtech.com/technology/tri-edge)
### Tri-Edge PAM4 CDR Overview
Tri-Edge is a CDR platform optimized for PAM4 optical interconnect in next-generation 200G and 400G data center module and AOC applications.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/tri-edge)
### Quick Links
- [Tri-Edge White Paper](https://info.semtech.com/en/tri-edge-white-paper)
- [Product Selector Guide](https://www.semtech.com/uploads/design-support/Semtech_Optical_Product_Guide.pdf)
- [Open Eye MSA](https://www.openeye-msa.org/)
- [BlueRiver Platform For SDVoE™](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver)
### BlueRiver Platform For SDVoE™
BlueRiver AV-over-IP chipsets are the world’s only chipsets to transport uncompressed, zero-latency Ultra HD/4K HDR over standard Ethernet and are the foundation for Software Defined Video Over Ethernet (SDVoE) technology.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver)
- [BlueRiver OVERVIEW](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver)
- [BlueRiver APPLICATIONS](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver-applications)
- [BlueRiver VERTICAL MARKETS](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver-vertical-markets)
- [SDVoE ALLIANCE®](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver-sdvoe)
- [Circuit Protection](https://www.semtech.com/technology/esd-protection)
### Circuit Protection Overview
Semtech is leading the way in Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) protection solutions that safeguard electronics systems against damage or latch-up caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD), lightning (surge), and other destructive voltage transients.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/esd-protection)
- [Circuit Protection Overview](https://www.semtech.com/technology/esd-protection)
- [Z-Platform](https://www.semtech.com/technology/z-platform)
- [Design Resources](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/)
- [Design Resources Overview](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/)
### Design Resources Overview
Semtech places a high importance on delivering superior design support and provides a wealth of tools and resources with the goal of shortening your time to revenue for your new product introductions.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/)
- [Product Guides](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/product-guides)
- [Development Support Documentation](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/development-support-documents/)
- [Parametric Search](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/parametric-search)
- [Quality Assurance](https://www.semtech.com/quality/search-pb-lead-free-rohs-green)
- [LoRa GitHub](https://github.com/LoRa-Net)
- [LoRa PCB Design Review](https://info.semtech.com/pcb-design-review-service)
- [LoRa Calculator](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/lora-calculator)
- [LoRaWAN Academy and Training](https://learn.semtech.com/)
- [Product Cross Reference Search](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/cross-reference-search)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/faq)
- [mySemtech Document Portal](https://semtech.my.site.com/DP/)
- [IoT Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
### Internet of Things
Award-winning LoRa Technology, ESD and surge protection, and smart control platforms for Internet of Things-enabled devices and low power, wide area network (LPWAN) infrastructure.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
- - [Smart Agriculture](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-agriculture)
- [Smart Buildings](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-building-automation)
- [Smart Cities](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-cities)
- [Smart Emergency](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-emergency-response)
- [Smart Environment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-environment)
- [Smart Healthcare](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-healthcare)
- [Smart Home](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-home-automation)
- [Smart Industrial](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-industrial-iot)
- [Smart Logistics](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/logistics-supply-chain-management)
- [Smart Utilities](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-utilities)
- [Smart Consumer](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-consumer)
- [Professional AV Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications)
### Professional AV
AptoVision BlueRiver™ Technology uses commercial-off-the-shelf Ethernet networks to deliver higher performance, flexibility, and scalability to the Pro AV industry.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications)
- - [AV Over IP](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/av-over-ip)
- [BYOM Video Conferencing](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/byom-video-conferencing)
- [HDMI Extender](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/hdmi-extension)
- [HDMI Wall Plates](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/hdmi-wallplates)
- [Hybrid AV Distribution](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/hybrid-av-distribution)
- [KVM Switches](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/kvm-switches)
- [Multiviewers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/multiviewers)
- [Point-to-Point Matrix Switching](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/point-to-point-matrix-switching)
- [Presentation Switchers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/presentation-switchers)
- [SDI Equipment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/sdi-equipment)
- [SDVoE™ Integration](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/sdvoe-integration)
- [Smart Display Modules (SDM)](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/smart-display-modules-sdm)
- [USB-C](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/usb-c)
- [Video Walls](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/video-walls)
- [Other Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
### Other Applications
Award-winning LoRa Technology, ESD and surge protection, and smart control platforms for Internet of Things-enabled devices and low power, wide area network (LPWAN) infrastructure.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
- [Automotive](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps)
- [Advanced Driver Assistance Systems](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/adas-body-electronics)
- [Automotive Battery Management Systems](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/automotive-battery-management-systems)
- [Automotive USB Charger](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/dashboard-electronics-usb-charging)
- [Infotainment Unit](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/navigation-infotainment)
- [Remote Keyless Entry](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/remote-keyless-entry)
- [Telematics Unit](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/telematics-unit)
- [Broadcast Video](https://www.semtech.com/applications/broadcast-video-applications)
- [Broadcast Equipment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/broadcast-video-applications/broadcast-equipment)
- [Consumer Electronics](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics)
- [Mobile Devices](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/mobile-devices)
- [Wearables](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/wearables)
- [TVs, Set Top Boxes, Monitors](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/tvs-set-top-boxes-monitors)
- [Laptops, Tablets, Computers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/laptops-tablets-computers)
- [Appliances & White Goods](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/appliances-white-goods)
- [Computers, Printers, Scanners](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/computers-printers-scanners)
- [Industrial](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications)
- [Medical Equipment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/medical-equipment)
- [Factory Automation](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/factory-automation)
- [Energy, Smart Grids, Smart Metering](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/energy-smart-grids-smart-metering)
- [Surveillance](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/surveillance)
- [Test & Measurement](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/test-measurement)
- [Power Tools](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/power-tools)
- [Infrastructure](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure)
- [Data Centers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure/enterprise-datacenters)
- [Passive Optical Networks / Fiber to the Home](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure/enterprise-passive-optical-networks-fiber-to-the-home)
- [Broadband](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure/enterprise-broadband)
- [Networking & Optical Communications](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication)
- [Broadband](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/broadband)
- [Passive Optical Networks / Fiber to the Home](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/passive-optical-networks)
- [ISM Networks](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/ism-networks)
- [Wireless Infrastructure, Base Stations](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/wireless-infrastructure-base-stations)
- [Data Centers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/datacenters)
- [Quality](https://www.semtech.com/quality)
- ### Quality Overview
Ethical standards drive peak customer satisfaction.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/quality)
- [Quality Overview](https://www.semtech.com/quality)
- [Reliability](https://www.semtech.com/quality/reliability)
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- [Environmental Initiatives](https://www.semtech.com/quality/environment)
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- [Quality Certifications](https://www.semtech.com/quality/certifications)
- [IR Reflow Profiles](https://www.semtech.com/quality/reflow-profiles)
- [About](https://www.semtech.com/company)
- ### Company Overview
Since our founding in 1960 as a manufacturer of high reliability products, Semtech has grown to become a multinational technology innovator, enabling solutions that help to make the world a better place.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/company)
- [Company Overview](https://www.semtech.com/company)
- [Leadership](https://www.semtech.com/company/executive-leadership)
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17 August, 2020 5 min read
# ESD Protection of USB 2.0 Interfaces
Anindita Bhattacharya
Two decades ago, communication between a host computer and other devices was a complex and difficult task. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) was developed by a group of companies in 1994 to replace the multiple slow buses with a single bus that could exchange data between the host system and the peripherals. Following its release, USB quickly became very popular due to its ease of use and fast data transfer rate. Fast forward a little over two decades, all consumer electronic devices now come with integrated USB interfaces. The USB interface has evolved a lot to support modern demands of very high speed communication with host devices and their innovative features. Since its introduction, the USB specification has progressed as USB1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.2 (Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 2x2), USB Type-C supporting Thunderbolt, HDMI and DisplayPort via special modes, and finally, towards USB 4.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2507363/68c69986-822c-46d7-ad31-b7cf450b9ab5)
Even though successive versions of USB specifications cater to the needs of higher data rates and increased levels of power delivery, USB 2.0 still remains very popular among a multitude of electronic devices such as universal remotes, security panels, printers, cameras, speakers, medical devices, and of course, jump drives.
### ESD Protection of USB 2.0 Interfaces
At this point, we need to consider an important electrical phenomenon called electrostatic discharge (ESD). A transfer of electrostatic energy between the host and peripherals may occur when we plug and unplug USBs. This may lead to an ESD event reaching thresholds of tens of thousands of volts. ESD can lead to damage of the delicate internal circuitry of the host or peripheral transceiver. ESD protection is achieved by placing a transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode between the USB port and the USB controller. Ideally, the TVS diode is placed as closely as possible to the USB port to arrest the transient threat as close as possible to the source.
*Figure 1. Pin Configurations of USB 2.0*
As shown in Figure 1, USB 2.0 has a 4-wire interface. VBUS provides 5V and 500mA power from the host to the attached device via a cable. D+ and D- pins are responsible for carrying a differential data signal. The voltages on these differential lines can reach up to 5V under normal operating conditions. The fourth pin is the GND pin, also called the reference pin. USB 2.0 supports the following data speeds:
- Low Speed – 1.5Mbps
- Full Speed – 12Mbps
- High Speed – 480Mbps
VBUS provides 5V and 500mA power through the USB cable to the attached device. The TVS diode should feature a fast response time to clamp transient voltages during ESD events immediately before it can damage a circuit. It should also feature low clamping voltage, high surge current capability and no device degradation during the protection of the VBUS pin. The low clamping voltage is essential. The TVS diode should be connected in parallel with the USB controller circuit. During an ESD event, TVS diodes protect USB ports by diverting the high current away from the port through the low resistance TVS path. That effectively clamps high voltage peaks and helps avoid system damage. Under normal operating conditions, the TVS diode presents a high impedance path to the protected circuit, so the device appears as an open circuit and essentially appears electrically transparent to the system interface. However, this low resistance path is not entirely resistance-free. There is a small dynamic resistance across the diode. We can find the dynamic resistance from the current-voltage relationship TLP plots on the datasheet of the TVS diodes. Referring to the slope of the TLP curve, we can see that the dynamic resistance as well as the clamping voltage values are very small. The sharper the slope of the current-voltage characteristic curve, the more efficient the TVS device is clamping. Since the TVS diode and the USB controller are connected in parallel, the voltage drop across the USB controller is the same as the clamping voltage of the TVS diode during an ESD event. So it is vital to keep the clamping voltage as small as possible.
There are two different common configurations employed to protect the USB 2.0 port from ESD threats. Separate discrete TVS diodes can be used to protect the VBUS and the D+/D- lines separately, or an integrated TVS array in a single chip can be used to protect all three lines.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2507363/506faaa5-ef3b-4f3b-bdf4-f3a663569df9)
### Using Discrete TVS Diodes to Protect USB 2.0 Interfaces
In the first option, [Semtech’s µClamp®0571P](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/esd-protection/uclamp0571p) meets all the criteria and is a worthy candidate to protect USB 2.0 VBUS pin. µClamp0571P features 5V operating voltage with high surge peak current capability of 80A. It comes in a 1.6 x 1.0 x 0.5mm package size. Figure 2 shows the connection diagram of TVS protection at the USB 2.0 port.
*Figure 2. ESD Protection of USB 2.0 Port Using Discrete TVS Diodes*
D+ and D- pins carry a differential 480 Mbps data signal. Since they are high-speed differential data lines, TVS diodes should protect the USB port and the circuit during transient events while ensuring signal integrity by maintaining a low line-to-line capacitance. Semtech’s [RClamp®0582B](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/low-capacitance/rclamp0582b), a dual-channel device, can be used to protect D+ and D- lines. RClamp0582B provides transient protection as per the specification in IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD) at ±30kV (Air) and ±30kV (Contact). It is built in the industry standard SOT-523 package. The maximum junction capacitance of RClamp0582B is extremely low, only 1.2pF, and offers a dynamic resistance of 0.52Ω (Typical).
### Using a Single TVS Diode to Protect USB 2.0 Interfaces
Now let us discuss the second type of ESD protection, provided by using a single integrated TVS device. Semtech’s [RClamp7522T](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/low-capacitance/rclamp7522t) is a 5V TVS protection solution for VBUS and D+/D- pins altogether. The RClamp7522T has a maximum capacitance of 0.4pF between any line and ground while being rated to handle ±25kV (Air) and ±15kV (Contact). This meets the specification as per IEC 61000-4-2 standard, and is offered in a 5-pin package with a nominal dimension of 1.0 x 0.7 x 0.4 mm. Figure 3 below shows the connection diagram for TVS protection between the USB 2.0 port and the controller.
*Figure 3. ESD Protection for USB 2.0 Port with RClamp7522T*
### Combination of EMI Filter and ESD Protection
The discussion of ESD protection of USB 2.0 interfaces would not be complete if we do not mention another challenge called electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI is the interference in operation of an electrical circuit caused by emission in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum from an external source. EMI interference can be avoided using an EMI filter that eliminates the unwanted RF noise while maintaining signal integrity. EMI filters with integrated ESD protection can be used to filter this RF noise as well as prevent electrostatic discharges. Semtech’s [EClamp®8052P](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/esd-emi-filter-devices/eclamp8052p), shown in Figure 4, is an exceptional solution to protect D+ and D- lines against ESD and EMI in USB 2.0 interfaces. It uses a 2-line integrated common mode filter and an ESD protection device. The integrated common-mode filter has a typical differential mode cutoff frequency greater than 3GHz. EClamp8052P also features the typical common mode suppression of 10dB at 500MHz and 15dB from 1GHz to 2.8GHz. It has a maximum channel capacitance of 1.2pF while being rated to handle ±30kV (Air) and ±25kV (Contact) per the IEC 61000-4-2 specification.
*Figure 4. EMI and ESD Protection of USB 2.0 Port*
### Summary and Conclusion
The USB 2.0 interface is still immensely popular among consumer, non-handheld, industrial, medical, and storage devices. An average person connects at least three to four peripheral devices to his or her computer every day using USB 2.0 interfaces. Protecting the USB 2.0 ports from disastrous ESD events is mandatory. No user would like to experience damage to his or her electronic equipment due to an ESD event triggered through the USB interface. Semtech’s wide range of TVS diodes protect many of the world’s most popular electronics devices. Its highly efficient and trusted TVS products protect all types of USB interfaces including USB 2.0. You can enjoy problem-free, glitch-free data transmission by protecting your USB 2.0 ports with Semtech TVS diodes, while also enhancing the reliability and lifetime of the protected devices.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2507363/3ebb70b3-125a-4563-be19-b523893ef5a9)
*Semtech®, the Semtech logo, EClamp®, RClamp®, and **μClamp® are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its affiliates. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.*
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