MXL5KP45CA Circuit Protection

TVS - Diodes

A Transient Voltage Suppressor Diode (TVS - Diode) is a unidirectional, three-terminal, electrostatic protection diode that provides protection from — and often prevents — high transient voltage events, such as from electrostatic discharge (ESD). TVS-Diodes are also often referred to as surge protection diodes, ESD diodes, and EMI diodes.

A very commonly used TVS - Diode is the MXL5KP45CA. This diode is a 5-lead, unidirectional, surface mount, low leakage transient voltage suppression diode designed to protect equipment and circuits from high voltage, high energy transients.

Application Field

The MXL5KP45CA TVS - Diode is primarily used in a variety of high voltage AC/DC, DC/DC, and automotive applications, such as:

• Automotive engine/battery interface
• Industrial equipment and process controls
• Protection against ESD and over voltage transients
• AC/DC power systems and power supply circuitry
• DC/DC Converters

Working Principle

The MXL5KP45CA TVS - Diode contains integrated circuitry that is designed to protect against hazardous high voltage transients by dissipating excess coverage. When the voltage exceeds the TVS - Diode’s selected breakdown voltage, current flows through the diode and the reverse breakdown current is conditioned and cushioned to protect from high-voltage and high-energy transients. This prevents further transients from damaging circuitry and components.

The diode is designed to conduct at a particular reverse voltage (breakdown voltage). TVS - Diodes typically have a minimum of three terminals, although some Diodes have four terminals. The two of the basic terminals, an anode, and a cathode, are connected to the appropriate circuits, and the third terminal is connected to the anode. When an overvoltage event occurs, the diode conducts by allowing charge into the circuit and removing it from the circuit at a much faster rate than the speed of the overvoltage event itself. This helps to protect the power source and any downstream components from damage due to the overvoltage event.

Though the MXL5KP45CA is just one example of the many available TVS - Diodes, its versatile range of applications and working principles demonstrate the important function that TVS - Diodes can provide for protection against high-voltage and high-energy transients.