3.0SMCJ150CATR

TVS - Diodes

TVS devices, also known as transient voltage suppressors, are widely used in a variety of electrical applications in order to protect circuits, components, and system hardware from the destructive effects of electrical transients. The device most commonly used is the 3.0SMCJ150CATR, a unidirectional TVS diode capable of clamping transient voltages to safe levels. This article will provide an overview of the application fields and working principle of this device.

Application Field

3.0SMCJ150CATR TVS diodes are most commonly used in industrial and commercial circuits to protect against voltage transients commonly induced by falling trees, EMPs, and lightning strikes. Additionally, the 3.0SMCJ150CATR is used in automotive systems in order to protect against out-of-specification voltage transients in order to increase circuit reliability. The device can also be used in telecom applications as an overvoltage protection device.

Working Principle

TVS diodes work on the principle of “avalanche breakdown”, wherein a surge in voltage is passed through the diode, and the resulting increase in current causes avalanche breakdown to occur. The TVS diode then acts as a switch, diverting the energy of the transient voltage away from the protected components. The 3.0SMCJ150CATR TVS diode is designed to withstand voltages up to 150V, and is capable of withstanding transients as short as 1ns. The device is also capable of diverting up to 350A of transient current.