---
title: Preventing Drone Failure with ESD Protection
description: The popularity and the use of drones are on the rise. Semtech’s wide range of trusted TVS products shield many of the world’s most popular drone brands.
image: https://blog.semtech.com/hubfs/Semtech_Blog_TVS_Drones.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)
- [Gateways](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/gateways)
- [Software](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/software)
- [Networks](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/networks)
- [Industry Alliances](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/industry-alliances)
- [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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- [White Papers & Use Cases](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-white-papers)
- [LoRa Developers & Tech Support](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-community)
- [LoRa Calculator](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/lora-calculator)
- [Amazon Sidewalk](https://info.semtech.com/sidewalk)
- [Academy for LoRaWAN](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lorawan-academy)
- [Logo Use](https://www.semtech.com/company/brand-resources)
- [Press Releases](https://www.semtech.com/company/press/category/pr-lora-wireless-rf)
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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
- [Product Selector Guides](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/product-guides)
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- [LoRa® Wireless RF](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf)
### 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)
- [LoRa Cloud™](https://loracloud.com)
- [Software Library](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/software-library-protocol-solution)
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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)
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- [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)
- [Laser Drivers and Transceivers](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/laser-drivers-transceivers)
- [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)
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- [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)
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- ### Quality Overview
Ethical standards drive peak customer satisfaction.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/quality)
- [Quality Overview](https://www.semtech.com/quality)
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- [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)
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07 January, 2021 6 min read
# Preventing Drone Failure with ESD Protection
Anindita Bhattacharya
A spectacular light show using 3,051 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, went viral in September 2020, [breaking the world record](https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/commercial/2020/10/3051-drones-create-spectacular-record-breaking-light-show-in-china#:~:text=At%203%3A45%3A39%20am,Control%20Technology%20Co.%2C%20Ltd.) for the most simultaneous airborne UAVs. Not only are drones providing dramatic light shows, but drones are emerging in many useful applications. Industrial manufacturing inspection, agricultural crop inspection, construction site inspection, search and rescue operation, real estate photography, and forest fire management are some examples where drones are utilized and provide invaluable services to humanity.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2507363/67150be6-3b73-42e3-90cf-2349d959747c)
### Operating a Drone
Operating a drone is not much different than playing a video game using a remote control. For example, if your drone has a camera and you would like to take some aerial shots, you can provide the appropriate commands via your drone’s remote. Based on your commands, the drone’s camera will take the pictures. It transmits pictures or videos and can also record the same if instructed. After the assigned task is complete, the drone will return back safely to its designated landing spot. Depending on the type and capability of the drone, instructions can also be provided either from a mobile phone app or from a computer application that can interface with the drone. Sounds simple, right? While the operation might be simple, the technology that makes it all possible is quite exhaustive. In addition, care is taken to minimize the size and weight of the drone while extending the flight time and battery life.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2507363/506faaa5-ef3b-4f3b-bdf4-f3a663569df9)
### Architecture of a Drone
Most drones are equipped with four motors, which is why they are often called quadcopters. An electronic speed controller (ESC) is used to control the action of each motor. The brain or main part of a drone is the flight controller unit. In commercial or high-end drones, the flight controller is equipped with a GPS for autopilot monitoring. The remote-control device consists of a radio transmitter which interfaces with the drone’s radio receiver. A flight controller generally receives the commands from the radio receiver, interacts with
proximity sensors to avoid obstacles and interfaces with the in-built GPS for geo positioning. The flight controller sends signal to the ESCs which in turn drives the individual motors for coordinating the drone’s movement. To measure the position of the drone with respect to the ground level an inertial measurement unit (IMU) with accelerometers and gyroscopes is used by the flight controller. Figure 1 shows the architecture of a drone along with its remote control.
Almost all drones are equipped with cameras. To take jitter-free photos and videos while the drone is in flight, it uses a device called a gimbal. The gimbal makes sure that the camera remains in place even when the drone is in motion. Some drones come with remote controls furnished with a display. Others provide the option to pair and mount a smart phone or a tablet to control and monitor the drones flight and action. Drones generally use lithium polymer batteries as they have higher energy density, lighter weight and smaller form factor. A large number of drones and their remote-control batteries are charged via USB Type-C charging ports. The power hub or the power distribution board takes power from the battery and sends it to the ESCs for powering the motors. The power hub also provides power to the flight controller unit, gimbal controller, camera, sensors, and other components that need power.
Figure 1. Architecture of a drone and its remote control © Semtech Corporation
### ESD Protection of Drone Ports and Interfaces
Drones and their remote controls have several ports and interfaces like USB Type-C for charging the batteries, memory card for saving the photos/videos, antennas for communication, GPS for autopilot system, and sensors to detect obstacles. With so many communication and data ports, drones are particularly prone to damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD) events. ESD is the rapid flow of static charge from one object with higher charge to an object with lower charge. So, when an object with high charge comes in contact with another object with low charge, the charge will flow from the high charge object to the one with low charge. This transfer of charges (electrons) may lead to an ESD event reaching up to thousands of volts. This event can potentially damage the intricate internal circuitry of the drone thereby causing it to fail, which in turn may also lead to serious injury or property damage. Hence, ESD protection is not just important for drones, it is vital.
### Protecting USB Type-C Interface
Now-a-days, a large number of drones and remote controls incorporate USB-Type C interfaces for charging. A USB Type-C interface can deliver up to 100W of power, 5 A of current and 20 V of voltage utilizing USB power delivery (USB PD). With the USB PD feature, devices can be charged at a much faster rate. This faster charging feature of USB Type-C has made it very popular for charging the drones. If USB PD is not required, the VBUS can support 5V at 3A, delivering 15W of power.
Figure 2 details the USB Type C pin configuration. As highlighted in the figure, protection from ESD is required for the VBUS and the CC pins. There are two CC pins, one is used for orientation detection and the other one for initiating power delivery. The VBUS pin is next to the CC pin. If there is a voltage surge in the VBUS pin, which can reach up to 20V, the CC pins will also be exposed to this entire voltage in case of a short circuit condition. Protecting the VBUS pin requires a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode with more than 20V of operating voltage, a fast response time and low clamp voltage. In addition, degradation of device performance is not desirable while protecting the VBUS pin. Satisfying all these criteria, Semtech’s [µClamp®2271P](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/vbus/uclamp2271p) is perfectly suited to safeguard the VBUS pin. The µClamp2271P has a working voltage of 22V with peak pulse current of 25A.
A TVS diode with a minimum 20V breakdown is required to protect the CC pins. Semtech’s [µClamp2411ZA](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/esd-protection/uclamp2411za) with the capacity of withstanding high ESD with voltages ranging from ±20kV (Air), and ±17kV (Contact) is best suited for protecting the CC pins. Maintaining an operating voltage of 24V, µClamp2411ZA is a bi-directional TVS diode with a low dynamic resistance of 1Ω. It comes in an ultra-small 0201 package.
Apart from the VBUS and CC pins, for ESD protection of all the other pins of a USB Type C interface, please read [my blog on USB Type-C protection](https://blog.semtech.com/esd-protection-of-usb-type-c-interfaces).
Figure 2. ESD protection of an USB PD interface © Semtech Corporation
### Protecting Drone Antennas
Drones communicate with their remotes via radio frequencies, which always need an antenna to transmit and receive radio signals. Drones typically use 900MHz to 2.4GHz transmission signal for radio and GPS communication. A bidirectional ESD protection device with an ultra-low junction capacitance is required to preserve the signal integrity of the antennas at that high frequency range. The peak-to-peak voltage of these signals should also remain stable. Semtech’s [RClamp®0561Z](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/low-capacitance/rclamp0561z) provides transient protection as per the specification in IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD) at ±15kV (Air), and ±12kV (Contact). It’s built in a tiny 0.62x0.32x0.30mm package. The typical junction capacitance of RClamp0561Z is also extremely low, only 0.12pF. Figure 3 shows a typical antenna protection circuit.
Figure 3. ESD protection of a drone antenna © Semtech Corporation
The ultra-low capacitance of RClamp0561Z exhibits minimal effect on the transmission line impedance and very low insertion loss characteristics, 0.8dB loss at 10GHz frequency. This makes it a compelling ESD protection device for drone radio antennas. For other specifications and application areas including GPS, Semtech offers a [wide variety of ESD protection diodes](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection) as shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Wide range of applicable Semtech parts for protecting drone antennas
### Protecting Memory Cards
Drones are primarily used to take pictures and record videos. So, most of the drones come with one or more memory card slots. As there are exposed pins in a memory card slot, the memory card is extremely susceptible to ESD charge transfer. Semtech’s [EClamp®2410P](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/esd-emi-filter-devices/eclamp2410p) is a combination of EMI filter and line termination device with integrated TVS diode that can protect the memory card from an ESD event. Figure 4 below outlines a typical protection solution for a memory card. EClamp2410P is comprised of series and pull up resistors required on the SD/µSD interface. Each line also includes TVS diodes for ESD protection. Each data line as shown in Figure 4 has a typical capacitance of 12pF. An additional TVS diode connection is included for protection of the voltage bus. TVS diodes provide effective suppression of ESD voltages of ±15kV (air) and ±8kV (contact) as per IEC 61000-4-2 guidelines. EClamp2410P comes in a 16-pin DFN (4.0 x 1.6 x 0.58mm) package. The flow-through package design of this device simplifies the PCB layout.
Figure 4. ESD protection of a drone’s memory card © Semtech Corporation
The popularity and the use of drones are on the rise. It is crucial that the drones are adequately protected from all ESD threats. Semtech’s wide range of trusted TVS products shield many of the world’s most popular drone brands. Its highly efficient TVS products protect all types of drone ports and interfaces including USB PD, antennas and memory card interface. You can enjoy problem free, fault free use of drones by protecting its ports and interfaces with Semtech TVS products, while enhancing their dependability and lifetime.
[Explore Circuit Protection solutions on our website.](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection)
[](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.*
---
[Circuit Protection](https://blog.semtech.com/topic/circuit-protection)
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