QZX363C15-7-F

The QZX363C15-7-F is a member of the Diodes - Zener - Arrays family, and it is applicable in sectors such as automotive, consumer, and computing hardware. In order to understand and utilize the components effectively, it is crucial to identify what kind of applications it can be used for - and, of course, its working principle.

Applications of QZX363C15-7-F

The QZX363C15-7-F diode array can be effectively used in automotive systems that require protection against short circuit events, as well as in consumer electronics that needs protection from high voltage, such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops.

It can also be used in computing applications, as its overvoltage protection can protect the input and output power lines of the computer. It can provide a barrier against ESD, or Electrostatic Discharge, which can cause the device under its protection to fail or malfunction.

The diode array can be used for LED lighting, as well, providing an efficient protection from voltage transients, and also protecting against line-noise generated by applications such as motors or other electronic systems, thus preventing electrons from damaging the LED itself.

Working Principle

The QZX363C15-7-F works as a component of a two-stage protection scheme. First, when a voltage transient bigger than the array’s Breakdown Voltage is detected, the diode array, acting as a series of zener diodes, will absorb the current and, effectively, dissipate the energy on it.

The second stage of operation begins when the energy on the component is close to the array’s Breakdown Voltage. At that point, all the diodes inside the array will start to conduct, providing a low voltage drop - commonly referred as the “clamping” effect - and placing the component at a safe working voltage that will not damage it and the surrounding devices.

This type of component is capable of providing enough protection when used alone, and in some cases, two arrays can be placed in series to increase the protection capability. Also, the component can exponentially increase its protection in the presence of a snubber network, usually composed of a capacitor and resistor.

Conclusion

The QZX363C15-7-F belongs to the Diodes -Zener - Array family, and is primarily used in applications such as automotive and consumer electronics, as well as computing systems, mainly because of its capability to provide overvoltage protection. Its working principle is to let the component absorb the transient energy and dissipate it, or draw it from the system and place the component in a “safe voltage zone”. When compared to other components, its protection capabilities can be easily increased in the presence of snubber networks.