3-1 Key characteristics for normal operation (in the absence of an ESD event)(1)

3-1(1) Whether the reverse breakdown voltage (V_BR) of an ESD protection diode is sufficiently higher than the amplitude (maximum voltage) of the signal line to be protected

As the voltage across an ESD protection diode approaches its reverse breakdown voltage (V_BR), leakage current increases. At a voltage close to V_BR, the leakage current might distort the waveform of the signal line to be protected. Reverse current (I_R) increases exponentially with reverse voltage (V_R). It is important to select ESD protection diodes with V_RWM higher than the amplitude of the signal lines to be protected.