HDMI ESD Protection without Sacrificing Performance

Adding ESD Protection to HDMI, even at 3.4GHz, Just Became Easier

The newest high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) 1.3

standard doubles the previous HDMI 1.0 - 1.2 data rate to 3.4Gbps

per differential signal pair. This increased data rate introduces

new challenges in implementing a solid board design with low

capacitance that ensures adequate signal integrity. This is

particularly important when executing a robust electrostatic

discharge (ESD) protection solution. Adding ESD protection to

your HDMI system design can be simplified by choosing the

proper solution. Tyco Electronics' ESD and overcurrent

protection reference layout complies with the HDMI 1.3

specification at 3.4GHz, helps meet the requirements of the IEC

61000-4-2 ESD protection specification, and optimizes board

space, all of which helps minimize risk for designers. This paper

explores the requirements and pitfalls of designing ESD

protection into HDMI 1.3 systems.