STMicroelectronics Takes the Lead in Advanced Telecom Protection

GENEVA, Oct. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has made a significant step forward in broadband equipment protection by unveiling the industry's first device meeting forthcoming industry standards setting out tougher criteria for voltage surges.

ST's LCP12 IC protects against high-voltage surges on the tip and ring connections of Subscriber Line Interface Cards (SLICs), which connect telecom local loops to the access network. These voltage surges can be caused by lightning strikes or by electromagnetic coupling or direct contact with AC power lines.

The LCP12 provides the protection specified by telecom standards used throughout the Americas, Europe and the Far East, such as the GR-1089 CORE standards, ITU-T-K.20/21 covering operator and customer-premises equipment, and the similar Mainland China YD/T standards. As the only protection device rated for surge currents up to 75A for the 5/310us waveshape at 4kV, the LCP12 is uniquely able to comply with forthcoming revisions to the Chinese standards.

The new device integrates thyristors to protect against positive and negative surges on two wires, and provides a higher level of protection than its predecessor, the LCP02. Moreover, the LCP12 is fully compatible with existing equivalent devices, hence providing a drop-in upgrade capable of satisfying the new tougher protection standards going forward. With its wide firing-voltage range, from -120V to +120V, the LCP12 is compatible with most dual battery-voltage SLICs in use today.

Major features of LCP12:

• Peak pulse current: 45A (10/1000us), 75A (5/310us)
• Compliant with standards:
  • GR-1089 Core First-Level/Second-Level/Intra-Building
  • ITU-T-K20/K21
  • ITU-T-K20 (IEC 61000-4-2 ESD contact/air discharge)
  • VDE0433, VDE0878
  • IEC 61000-4-5
  • TIA-968-A (formerly FCC part 68type A)
  • TIA-968-A (formerly FCC part 68) type B)
• Wide firing voltage range: -120V to +120V
• Low gate triggering current: IG = 5mA maximum
• Holding current: 150mA minimum

The LCP12 is housed in the industry-standard SO-8 wide package and is available to qualified customers, priced from $1.196, with a minimum order quantity of 1000 pieces.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2010, the Company's net revenues were $10.35 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.  

SOURCE STMicroelectronics