SMBJ8.5CA-13

Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diodes are devices used to protect circuit components from voltage transients caused by electrostatic discharge, inductive switching, and lightning strikes. The SMBJ8.5CA-13 TVS diode is one type of such device equipped with a bidirectional 8.5 V breakdown voltage. It is optimized for applications requiring a very low leakage current and a low own capacitance.

This SMBJ8.5CA-13 TVS diode is often used in automotive applications, such as Automotive Ethernet and Gigabit Data Bus, where its dissipation of transient current is necessary to protect the system. It can also be used in other sensitive electronic equipment, such as computers, television sets, and cellular phones.

The SMBJ8.5CA-13 TVS diode works by limiting the voltage on a circuit to a predetermined level. When a voltage surge, a sudden increase in the signal level, enters the circuit, the diode grabs the excess voltage, clamping it below the breakdown voltage. This prevents further rise of the signal level, thus protecting the circuit and its components from signal overvoltage.

The operating principle of the SMBJ8.5CA-13 TVS diode involves three stages. During the first stage, a small voltage applied to the diode creates a conduction current through the diode. This conduction current is proportional to the applied voltage. During the second stage, when the applied voltage increases beyond a predetermined level referred to as the breakdown voltage, avalanche breakdown occurs. As a result, the junction conducts heavily and the conduction current increases exponentially.

During the third and final stage, the diode continues to conduct until the voltage across the diode decreases to within its breakdown voltage range. Then, the conduction current decreases exponentially and the diode quickly returns to its normal state, ready to handle the next surge. This process limits the amount of energy that is allowed to enter the circuit, thus protecting the system.

The SMBJ8.5CA-13 TVS diode is an ideal solution for applications where a very low leakage current and a low own capacitance are required. Its bidirectional 8.5 V breakdown voltage, combined with its reliable current clamping capability, make it a valuable component for ensuring the protection of all types of circuits and systems.