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Q&A How to protect RF switches from ESD?

Assume that I have some generic antenna connector, followed by a pi-filter/50ohm impedance matching components, then a DC blocking cap (as per the RF switch recommendations) and then a RF switch fo...

4 answers  ·  posted 2y ago by Lundin‭  ·  last activity 6mo ago by Nick Alexeev‭

Question RF
#1: Initial revision by user avatar Lundin‭ · 2022-01-28T09:58:35Z (about 2 years ago)
How to protect RF switches from ESD?
Assume that I have some generic antenna connector, followed by a pi-filter/50ohm impedance matching components, then a DC blocking cap (as per the RF switch recommendations) and then a RF switch for split tx/rx semiduplex transceiver, as in this schematic:

![antenna schematic](https://electrical.codidact.com/uploads/DeHuvjGKtY96vGviVHgZQmQV)

How do I best protect this RF switch from ESD coming in from human fingers touching the antenna connector? I need the highest ESD class (4) of the IEC61000−4−2, meaning 8kV contact discharge, 15kV air discharge.

I'm considering a specialized "ultra-low capacitance" TVS diode such as [ESD8472](https://www.onsemi.com/pdf/datasheet/esd8472-d.pdf) (rated up to 20kV), which is bidirectional. 

Questions:
- Is this TVS diode the way to go? 
- If so, where do I place it in this schematic? Directly on the antenna or somewhere else?
- How to determine the suitable breakdown voltage? I'm assuming it should be based on the RF switch supply which is 3.3V.