Texas Instruments (TI) offers new RS-232 devices with system-
level IEC61000-4-2 electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. This
protection makes the RS-232 interface immune to damage from
ESD strikes that may occur while the system is up and running,
such as when a connection to the RS-232 cable is made. These
devices are drop-in replacements and are functionally identical to
the existing industry-standard solutions, providing a seamless
transition in the qualification process. These devices meet the
requirements for low-power, high-speed applications such as
portable/consumer, telecom and computing equipment.
TI offers these new devices in the NiPdAu Pb-Free finish, which
eliminates tin whiskers that might compromise long-term system
reliability. TI offers the space-saving QFN package on select
devices in addition to its already extensive RS-232 portfolio.