- IC integrating EMI filtering and ESD protection functions ∙∙∙ Supports SD 3.0 data rates and memory capacity for enhanced mobile users

[December 06, 2011, Seoul] - STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor company in the field of various electronic device applications, has released a new IC that integrates EMI filtering and ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) protection to ensure excellent performance for wireless communication devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and 3G devices using SD 3.0 UHS-I (Ultra High Speed) micro-cards.

According to forecasts by Strategy Analytics, a global IT market research firm, more than 500 million mobile devices are expected to feature UHS-I compatible SD card slots by 2013. UHS class cards not only provide up to 2TB of storage but also effectively process high-speed data, maximizing user satisfaction by improving speeds for recording HD video, playing and sharing content, and backing up data.

However, since ESD can damage the system's circuitry through the externally exposed card slot, the card slot must be protected against electrostatic discharge. Additionally, EMI filters and ESD protection ICs must be optimized for the specified interface speed to ensure maximum communication speed between the system and the card. ST's new EMIF06-MSD03F3 protects the microSD interface circuit up to 104 Mbps per second, which is the specified UHS-I speed.

Unlike competitor protection IC products, the EMIF06-MSD03F3 utilizes advanced small package technology to detect card insertion electrically or mechanically. This allows designers to use card detection solutions optimized for their applications and host systems. The EMIF06-MSD03F3 also integrates a pull-up resistor to ensure system operation when a card is not inserted, and an EMI filter to block the GSM interface.

Key features of EMIF06-MSD03F3:
- ±15kV ESD protection passing IEC 61000-4-2 test
- All SD card data and power line protection features
-Maximum 7pF load capacitance
-16-bump, 0.4mm pitch chip-scale package (WLCSP)
Ultra-compact size of only 1.54mm x 1.54mm
- ST's IPAD™ (Integrated Passive and Active Device) technology

EMIF06-MSD03F3 is available in a 0.4mm pitch WLCSP package at $0.23 per unit for a supply of 1,000 units. Separate pricing conditions are available for bulk orders.