LAN magnetic interface circuit with passive ESD protection

摘要

A magnetic interface circuit for providing ESD protection for a communication channel which includes a capacitor connected between ground and a point in the circuit electrically isolated from the input and output terminals of the circuit. The capacitor is arranged such that the capacitor acts as a virtual ground to ESD events to shunt current from an ESD event to ground. The location of the capacitor enables the use of a low voltage capacitor, as well as eliminates the need for stringent Hi-pot and spacing requirements.