MASMLJ17AE3

TVS – Diodes

The MASMLJ17AE3 is a transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode designed to protect sensitive electronic equipment against high-voltage transients. This diode has an ultra-low capacitance of 0.4pF and features an IEC61000-4-2 (ESD) air/contact of 22 kV. It offers a very high ESD protection and surge handling capability both in self-standing and SMD model.

Application Field:

The MASMLJ17AE3 can be applied in a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics, automotive, industrial, communications, computing and medical devices. It can be used to protect devices from electrostatic discharge, surges, power-line EFT/B, and lightning. It’s also suitable for protecting data lines from ESD as well as in high-level audio applications.

Working Principle:

The MASMLJ17AE3 is a zener diode optimized for ultra-low capacitance and used for transient voltage suppression. In operation, it works by limiting the voltage across the part when subjected to high-voltage transients by clamping the peak voltage to a safe level. The diode is typically connected between the signal line and ground, and will not be active until a voltage higher than its breakdown voltage is applied to the signal line. When the voltage exceeds its reverse breakdown voltage, the diode starts to conduct, clamping the voltage to its breakdown voltage.

When the transient voltage passes through the device, the current flows through the diode in the opposite direction to the flow of electrons. This current flow opposite to the normal flow of electrons is called a “reverse biased” state, and can be maintained for a short period of time. The charge stored in the device is then released into the circuit, which clamps the voltage at the desired level. This phenomenon is known as “clamping”.

The MASMLJ17AE3 is a uni-directional device, which means that it can only be used for suppressing voltages in one direction. In order to protect against transients in the opposite direction, it must be placed in series with another TVS diode. This ensures that both the positive and negative transients are clamped.