SMAJ16AE3/TR13

TVS diodes are primarily used to protect sensitive electronic components from excessive voltage and current. The SMAJ16AE3/TR13 is a popular type of TVS diode increasingly being used in the electronics industry today. In this article, we’ll look at the application fields and working principles of the SMAJ16AE3/TR13.

Application fields

The SMAJ16AE3/TR13 is a common type of two-terminal, bidirectional TVS diode with a 5mm lead spacing. It is designed for use mainly in high-speed communication applications, such as USB, Thunderbolt, and Ethernet. It is ideal for protecting sensitive devices from overvoltage and overcurrent caused by transient and power faults. It can also be used to protect vulnerable devices from ESD (electrostatic discharge).

Working Principle

At normal voltage, the SMAJ16AE3/TR13 operates like an open circuit. However, when the voltage level exceeds the diode’s maximum ratings, the diode switches from its non-conductive to conductive state. It functions like a clamp, suppressing voltage and current surges to protect the load from damage. Even at its maximum rating, the diode is able to sustain its non-conductive state, making it ideal for high-speed communication applications.

Conversely, if the voltage dips below the diode’s minimum rating, it will switch from its conductive to non-conductive state. In this state, the diode will again be functioning as an open circuit, allowing the load to receive the necessary voltage. This ensures that the load receives the appropriate voltage levels for proper operation.

Conclusion

The SMAJ16AE3/TR13 is a two-terminal, bidirectional TVS diode with a 5mm lead spacing. It is primarily used in high-speed communication applications, such as USB, Thunderbolt, and Ethernet, for protection against transient overvoltage and overcurrent caused by electrical surges. It is also effective at protecting sensitive devices from ESD. The diode switches from its non-conductive to conductive state when the voltage level exceeds its maximum ratings, functioning like a clamp to reduce voltage and current surges. Likewise, if the voltage level dips below its minimum rating, it switches from conductive to non-conductive, acting as an open circuit.