The TPD12S521 is a single-chip ESD solution for the high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) transmitter port. In many cases, the core ICs, such as the scalar chipset, may not have robust ESD cells to sustain system-level ESD strikes. In these cases, the TPD12S521 provides the desired system-level ESD protection, such as the the IEC61000-4-2 (Level 4) ESD, by absorbing the energy associated with the ESD strike.

While providing the ESD protection, the TPD12S521 adds little or no additional glitch in the high-speed differential signals (see Figure 5 and Figure 6). The high-speed transition minimized differential signaling (TMDS) lines add only 0.9-pF capacitance to the lines. In addition, the monolithic integrated circuit technology ensures that there is excellent matching between the two-signal pair of the differential line. This is a direct advantage over discrete ESD clamp solutions where variations between two different ESD clamps may significantly degrade the differential signal quality.

The low-speed control lines offer voltage-level shifting to eliminate the need for an external voltage level-shifter IC. The control line ESD clamps add 3.5-pF capacitance to the control lines. The 38-pin DBT package offers seamless layout routing option to eliminate the routing glitch for the differential signal pair.

The TPD12S521 provides an on-chip regulator with current output ratings of 55 mA at pin 38. This current enables HDMI receiver detection even when the receiver device is powered off. DBT package pitch (0.5 mm) matches with HDMI connector pitch. In addition, pin mapping follows the same order as the HDMI connector pin mapping. This HDMI receiver port protection and interface device is specifically designed for next-generation HDMI transmitter protection.