TVS - Diodes

A Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) diode is a three-terminal semiconductor device which acts as a voltage clamp to protect electrical systems from voltage transients caused by lightning, electrostatic discharge (ESD) and other sources. TVS diodes can also be used to provide over voltage protection by either clamping or shunting voltage transients, thus preventing damage to sensitive electrical circuitry.

1.5KE16ATR Application Field and Working Principle

The 1.5KE16ATR is a unidirectional TVS diode designed to protect against a large range of ESD discharges - both contact and air-discharge. It is offered in a plastic SOT-23 package and is suitable for SMD-mounted board. The diode’s low capacitance allows it to protect sensitive circuits from noise and high frequency transients while the low clamping voltage will protect circuits from over-voltage.

When a voltage transient occurs, the 1.5KE16ATR will shun the voltage across the diode, thereby protecting the circuit from over-voltage and excessive power. When the transient voltage exceeds the diode’s stand-off voltage, the diode will start to conduct and limit the rise in voltage. During this process, the diode will absorb an increasing amount of power until it reaches its maximum power (PPM) rating. At this point, the diode will become self-limiting, allowing for some extra protection.

The 1.5KE16ATR provides excellent protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) surge currents up to ±15kV (contact) and ±8kV (air discharge) and transient voltage surges up to 680V. It is also capable of handling high frequency transients up to 100MHz and can be used in systems with high frequency signals. The diode has a low capacitance of 1.3pF, making it ideal for use in sensitive circuits.

The 1.5KE16ATR is a perfect solution for protecting sensitive circuits from voltage transients. It provides excellent protection from ESD and can handle large transient surges with its low capacitance and maximum power (PPM) rating. This makes it an ideal solution for applications where ESD protection is required.