Schottky barrier diode combines low VF and IR for advanced image sensor protection

ROHM has developed an innovative Schottky barrier diode that overcomes the conventional trade-off between VF and IR. This way, it provides high reliability protection for a wide range of high-resolution image sensor applications, including ADAS cameras.

Modern ADAS cameras and similar systems need higher pixel counts to meet the demand for greater precision. This has created a growing concern – the risk of damage caused by photovoltaic voltage generated under light exposure during power OFF. While low-VF SBDs are effective countermeasures, low IR is also vital during operation to stop thermal runaway. However, achieving low VF and IR simultaneously has been a longstanding technical challenge. The company has overcome this hurdle by fundamentally redesigning the device structure, successfully developing an SBD that combines low VF with low IR, which is excellent for protection applications.

The device represents a novel concept: employing the low-VF characteristics of rectification SBDs for protection purposes. By adopting a proprietary architecture, the company has achieved low IR, which is typically difficult to realise with low-VF designs. As a result, even under harsh environmental conditions, the device satisfies market needs by delivering a VF of less than 300mV (at IF=7.5mA, even at Ta=-40C), and an IR of less than 20mA (at VR=3V, even at Ta=125C). These outstanding characteristics not only prevent circuit damage created by high photovoltaic voltage generated when powered OFF, but also greatly reduce the risk of thermal runaway and malfunction during operation.

The diode is housed in a compact flat-lead SOD-323HE package (2.5mm × 1.4mm) that delivers space efficiency and excellent mountability. This allows support for space-constrained applications such as automotive cameras, industrial equipment, and security systems. The RBE01VYM6AFH is also AEC-Q101 qualified, making it suitable as a protection device for next-generation automotive electronics that require high reliability and long-term stability.

Application examples include image sensor-equipped devices such as ADAS cameras, smart intercoms, security cameras, and home IoT devices.