NXP Semiconductors has announced a new series of diodes designed to protect NFC antennas and controllers in mobile devices against damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD).

"The NFC antenna is often integrated into the battery cover or the battery itself and is connected to the NFC IC via small contacts on the phone," says NXP. "These contacts are an entry point for ESD strikes which are potentially hazardous to the NFC controller IC.

"The new NXP protection diodes safeguard the NFC IC according to the IEC61000-4-2 industry standard. At the same time, they are designed to maintain strong signal integrity of the antenna circuit by featuring very small variation of diode capacitance versus bias voltage. This combination ensures the best possible protection of the NFC system."

An 18V version is available immediately and a 24V version will launch in early 2014. Both "are ideal for today's compact and slim smartphones," says NXP.