
Detailed Description
±15kV ESD Protection
As with all Maxim devices, ESD-protection structures
are incorporated on all pins to protect against electro-
static discharges (ESD) encountered during handling
and assembly. The MAX3209E driver outputs and
receiver inputs have extra protection against static
electricity found in normal operation. Maxim’s engineers
developed state-of-the-art structures to protect these
pins against ±15kV ESD, without damage. After an ESD
event, the MAX3209E continues working without latchup.
ESD protection can be tested in several ways. The
transmitter outputs and receiver inputs are character-
ized for protection to the following:
1) ±15kV using the Human Body Model
2) ±8kV using the Contact-Discharge Method specified
in IEC 1000-4-2 (formerly IEC 801-2)
3) ±15kV using the Air-Gap Method specified in
IEC 1000-4-2 (formerly IEC 801-2)
ESD Test Conditions
ESD performance depends on a number of conditions.
Contact Maxim for a reliability report that documents
test setup, methodology, and results.
Human Body Model
Figure 2a shows the Human Body Model, and Figure
2b shows the current waveform it generates when dis-
charged into a low impedance. This model consists of a
100pF capacitor charged to the ESD voltage of interest,
which is then discharged into the device through a
1.5k
resistor.
IEC 1000-4-2
Since January 1996, all equipment manufactured
and/or sold in the European community has been
required to meet the stringent IEC 1000-4-2 specifica-
tion. The IEC 1000-4-2 standard covers ESD testing
and performance of finished equipment; it does not
specifically refer to integrated circuits. The MAX3209E
helps you design equipment that meets Level 4 (the
highest level) of IEC 1000-4-2, without additional ESD-
protection components.
The main difference between tests done using the
Human Body Model and IEC 1000-4-2 is higher peak
current in IEC 1000-4-2. Because series resistance is
lower in the IEC 1000-4-2 ESD test model (Figure 3a), the
ESD withstand voltage measured to this standard is gen-
erally lower than that measured using the Human Body
Model. Figure 3b shows the current waveform for the
±8kV IEC 1000-4-2 Level 4 ESD Contact-Discharge test.
The Air-Gap test involves approaching the device with a
charge probe. The Contact-Discharge method connects
the probe to the device before the probe is energized.
M
±15kV ESD-Protected, 12V Dual RS-232 Serial Port
with Low-Power Standby for Motherboards/Desktops
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5
CHARGE-CURRENT
LIMIT RESISTOR
DISCHARGE
RESISTANCE
STORAGE
CAPACITOR
Cs
100pF
R
C
1M
R
D
1500
HIGH-
VOLTAGE
DC
SOURCE
DEVICE
UNDER
TEST
I
P
100%
90%
36.8%
t
RL
TIME
t
DL
CURRENT WAVEFORM
PEAK-TO-PEAK RINGING
(NOT DRAWN TO SCALE)
Ir
10%
0
0
AMPERES
CHARGE-CURRENT
LIMIT RESISTOR
DISCHARGE
RESISTANCE
STORAGE
CAPACITOR
Cs
150pF
R
C
50M to 100M
R
D
330
HIGH-
VOLTAGE
DC
SOURCE
DEVICE
UNDER
TEST
Figure 3a. IEC 1000-4-2 ESD Test Model
Figure 2b. Human Body Model Current Waveform
Figure 2a. Human Body ESD Test Model