GL12T-G3-18

Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) diodes are essential components in many electronic designs. They are used to protect delicate circuitry from voltage transients such as those that might be caused by lightning or electrostatic discharge. GL12T-G3-18 is apopular TVS diode used for transient overvoltage protection. This article will discuss the application field and working principle of the GL12T-G3-18.

Overview

The GL12T-G3-18 is an axial leaded component in a DO-214AC package. It is rated for operation up to 188 V and is capable of handling peak power dissipation levels of up to 1500 W. It is designed to protect a wide variety of electronic circuits from potential electrical transients and is typically used in automotive, consumer, and industrial markets.

Applications

The GL12T-G3-18 can be used for protection of a variety of electronic components, including microcontrollers, LCD/LED displays, DC/DC converters, memory, ICs, and transistors.

In automotive applications, the GL12T-G3-18 can be used to protect against electrical transients that might be induced by the alternator, such as overvoltage and reverse polarity. It can also be used to protect against sudden jumps in voltage that can be caused by the engine starting or by electrical spikes in the system.

In consumer applications, the GL12T-G3-18 can be used to protect vital consumer electronics, such as TVs, laptops, and smartphones, from voltage transients. This type of protection is especially important in countries where lightning storms are common.

The GL12T-G3-18 can also be used in industrial applications to protect vital machinery and equipment from electrical transients. This type of protection is especially important in manufacturing and industrial processes that involve the use of high-frequency electrical signals.

Working Principle

The GL12T-G3-18 works by clamping the voltage of a circuit to a predefined level when a transient voltage is detected. This clamping action limits the peak transient voltage to a safe level and prevents further damage from occurring.

The operation of a TVS diode is based on the principle of avalanche breakdown. When the voltage across a diode exceeds a certain threshold, known as the “breakdown voltage”, the diode enters an avalanche breakdown mode, in which a large number of electrons are created in the diode. This creates a large surge of current that is then diverted away from the circuit, protecting it from harm.

Conclusion

The GL12T-G3-18 is a popular TVS diode used for overvoltage protection. It is a versatile component that can be used to protect a variety of electronic devices, including automotive, consumer, and industrial components. It works by clamping the voltage of the circuit to a safe level when a transient voltage is detected, using the principle of avalanche breakdown.