Low-C input protection diodes

That would probably be like using a Lamborghini to haul firewood ;-)

I have to disagree. The RF clamping is a different business. There are the special diodes for that. Stray L matters. BAV99 are not good at stray L at all.

Aha. Now it is clear: you have the RF communication device. The failure of the preamp FET due to the ESD is a well known problem.

Vladimir Vassilevsky DSP and Mixed Signal Design Consultant

Yes, but you can make sure that a simple filter takes care of anything really high in frequency and then the BAV99 works pretty well. I am using them since 20+ years. Now RF links run at higher frequencies and this problem begins to nag, just as capacitance does.

Yep, inside the chips and the datasheets are not very talkative about what's inside the chip.

That's why I prefer chips like those from TI. Their abs max is +10dBm, much easier. But often this wasn't my decision and by the time I get called in it's all said and done. Since you are a consultant as well I am sure you are familiar with that ;-)

Well, then how'd you find so many good candidates so quickly? E.g., if you search datasheet features lists, lots of parts advertise themselves as "low capacitance" but examining the data shows them to be 10 or 20pF, etc.

Well, it sounded like something I should know, so I googled and they popped right up.

So now I know.

But yeah, some people think 35 pF is low capacitance.

John