An external I/O interface refers to a connector (USB, HDMI, Thunderbolt, etc.) used to connect to an external device.
External I/O interfaces are used in a wide variety of devices.
Examples: PCs, smartphones, TVs, tablets, printers, POS systems, speakers
If an external I/O interface makes contact with a person or object, this will generate static electricity.
There are many cases where this static electricity travels to an IC and causes a malfunction.
A TVS diode can be used in such cases to prevent this issue from occurring.
An example is provided below.
The recommended capacitance for USB and Thunderbolt is provided below.
Higher transmission speeds require parts with lower capacitance.
Murata's recommended product for HDMI is shown below.