ESD Protection USB 2.0 Data Lines

Universal Serial Bus (USB) products (PCI adapter cards, digital cameras, peripherals, etc.) can be susceptible to ESD events when the cable is disconnected from the data port. The ESD pulse can be introduced directly into the open port, or into the disconnected end of the cable. Either way, the integrated circuitry that controls the USB functionality can be compromised. After the ESD pulse is introduced into the data port, it will travel through the connector to the PC board. Once on the PC board, it will propagate down the data lines toward the integrated circuitry. Specifically, the IC of concern is the USB 2.0 Controller. Without sufficient protection, the Controller chip can be rendered inoperable.