TVS318SM Circuit Protection

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TVS-Diodes: TVS318SM Application Field and Working Principle

TVS-diodes, also known as transient voltage suppressors, are vital components for the electronic industry due to their important role in the protection against electrostatic discharges (ESD) and overvoltage spikes. In this article, we will focus on a particular type of TVS-diode, namely the TVS318SM, to better understand its application field and its working principle.

Applications of TVS318SM

The TVS318SM belongs to the SMA series of TVS-diodes, manufactured by Zetex Semiconductor Technology Ltd. It is designed to provide protection against the harmful effects of overvoltage spikes from lightning, high frequency coupling, or other similar sources. Its operating voltage range is from 5 to 60V, and the peak pulse current is 4A at 10/1000µs.

The TVS318SM is especially suited for protecting automotive applications like radio sets and navigation systems, because it can handle high peak currents and its energy absorption capacity is high enough to cope with extreme ESD discharges.

In addition, the TVS318SM is suitable for use in industrial control systems and medical instruments, discrete automotive circuits and star connection boards. It offers protection in applications operating in both high and low voltage environments. Moreover, the device can be used in battery operated systems, as it has low quiescent current and reverse leakage at zero bias.

Working Principle of TVS318SM

The TVS318SM is a semiconductor device that is designed to divert overvoltage pulses to ground, thus protecting the components from electrostatic discharges and over-voltage surges. In the most basic terms, TVS-diodes work by a process of circuit “clamping”, in which when the input voltage rises above a certain level, the diode “clamps” that potential to a lower level.

A more technical explanation of this process is as follows: TVS318SM works by using a Zener controlling element. This element has a threshold voltage of 5V, which is slightly higher than the breakdown voltage of the device. The Zener element acts as a switching device and absorbs the current when the input voltage exceeds 5V. When this happens, the device begins diverting large current to ground, thus protecting the circuit.

When the voltage is below 5V, the device is in a “low impedance” state and allows small currents to pass through it. This type of diode also offers protection from false triggers, as it can handle fast leading edge transients without latching up the circuit. Thus, the device offers optimal protection from most ESD and over-voltage surges.

Conclusion

The TVS318SM is a essential diode for protecting circuits from electrostatic discharges and over-voltage surges. It offers robust protection while requiring low current, and is thus suitable for use in many different applications. Moreover, its working principle is quite simple and is based on a “clamping” process to divert the excess current away from the device.

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