TVS - Diodes

MXP4KE16CAE3 is a Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) diode designed to protect sensitive electronic components from electrical overstress such as electrostatic discharge induced transients. This diode is usually used in semiconductor and electronic circuits to deflect voltage transients away from vulnerable components. The MXP4KE16CAE3 is a unidirectional device which is designed to safely dissipate energy from ESD and other transient surge events.

Application Field

MXP4KE16CAE3 can be applied in AC and DC power lines, signal lines, and terminal boards such as personal computers, industrial control systems, peripherals and other related applications. It is also commonly implemented in sensing and monitoring applications, or in small aircrafts and drones assemblies.

Working Principle

MXP4KE16CAE3 works by restricting the flow of transient current while still allowing normal current to pass through. This feature is known as clamping or zener breakdown. A typical waveform of a clamped transient voltage is shown in Figure 1.

The clamping mechanism of this diode is based on micro-avalanche effect. When a transient exceeds the maximum rated zener voltage, the junction capacitance and resistance of the diode forms an RC circuit and starts to generate avalanches which breakdown the voltage. Then, the transient current is limited to a safe level by the diode’s junction capacitance. The avalanche phenomenon ensures high-speed response and low clamping voltage.

The drain-source breakdown voltage of MXP4KE16CAE3 is 16V. Under repetitive impulse ratings, the peak surge current is 9.2A at 8/20μs pulse. It has a Stand-off Voltage (VWM) of 12.5V. It has a typical @ 25℃ power dissipation (PD) of 200mW. It has a maximum clamping voltage of 27.5V at 9.2A.

In order to ensure proper device operation, the reverse leakage current should be limited to its maximum rated value. The device also has a maximum total device dissipation and maximum operating temperature. The device should not be operated above these specified limits.

Conclusion

MXP4KE16CAE3 is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) diode designed to protect sensitive electronic components from electrical overstress such as electrostatic discharge induced transients. This diode is usually applied in AC and DC power lines, signal lines, and terminal boards such as personal computers, industrial control systems, peripherals and other related applications. It works by restricting the flow of transient current while still allowing normal current to pass through. It has a drain-source breakdown voltage of 16V, a Stand-off Voltage (VWM) of 12.5V, and a maximum clamping voltage of 27.5V at 9.2A.