824540901 Circuit Protection

Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diodes are the most commonly used semiconductor component for protecting sensitive electronic equipment. TVS diodes serve the purpose of reducing transient voltage surge spikes, protecting against lightning strikes and non-destructive static discharge. They can protect any device from voltage surges, and are an invaluable safeguard against lightning, power supply problems and static electricity.

Here is a brief explanation of how TVS diodes work. The diode is a semiconductor device made of two PN junctions that carries current in only one direction. The current flows through the diode’s p-type and n-type layers, which form the diode’s other two electrodes. The diode’s operation is based on the “forward-biased” and “reverse-biased” states. In the reverse-biased state, the voltage across the diode is higher than the breakdown voltage, which causes the diode to breakdown and allow current to pass through.

TVS diodes have a lower breakdown voltage than other diodes and can be used to protect any device from transient voltage surge spikes. When the voltage across the diode is higher than the breakdown voltage, the diode will start conducting and the current will be diverted away from the sensitive electronic equipment. The TVS diode has fast recovery time, meaning it will quickly enter the reverse bias condition after it has done its job. This helps to reduce the effects of the transient voltage spike and protect the device from any further damage.

TVS diodes are available in a variety of packages and forms, from axial leaded components or surface-mount packages to multilayer and power packages. Different types are available depending on the required voltage and current passing through the diode. This makes them highly suitable for use in applications such as consumer electronic, automotive electrical systems, industrial and medical equipment. TVS diodes are also used for IGBT protection, over-voltage protection, power supply crowbar protection, ESD and surge protection.

In summary, TVS-diodes are used in a variety of applications to protect sensitive electronic equipment from transient voltage spikes, surge protection, ESD and lightning strikes. With fast recovery time and a wide range of package sizes, they are an ideal solution for any application that needs protection from external power sources.