What Are TVS diodes?

TVS diodes are specialized semiconductor components designed to protect electronic circuits from voltage spikes and transient surges. These diodes act as clamping devices, diverting excessive voltage away from sensitive components, ensuring their longevity and reliability. 

TVS diodes Are Available in Two Main Configurations:

Unidirectional: Designed for circuits with DC voltage or polarized signals.

Bidirectional: Suitable for circuits with AC voltage or bidirectional signals.

Functions of TVS Diodes:

The primary functions of TVS diodes include:

Overvoltage Protection: Absorbing and clamping transient voltage surges to a safe level.

ESD Protection: Shielding sensitive components from electrostatic discharge.

Lightning Protection: Protecting circuits from high-energy surges induced by lightning strikes.

Suppression of Inductive Spikes: Preventing damage from voltage spikes generated by inductive loads.

Applications of TVS Diodes:

TVS diodes are widely utilized in various industries and applications, including:

Automotive Electronics: Protecting ECUs (Electronic Control Units), sensors, and communication systems from voltage surges.

Consumer Electronics: Ensuring durability in devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops by safeguarding USB, HDMI, and other interfaces.

Telecommunication Systems: Protecting network equipment such as routers, switches, and base stations from lightning and power surges.

Industrial Control Systems: Enhancing reliability in PLCs, motor controllers, and instrumentation by mitigating transient voltage threats.

Power Supply Circuits: Providing surge protection in AC-DC and DC-DC converters.

Medical Devices: Securing sensitive circuits in imaging equipment, monitors, and diagnostic tools.

Key Benefits of TVS Diodes:

Fast Response Time: TVS diodes react within nanoseconds to transient events, ensuring minimal damage to the circuit.

High Energy Absorption: They can dissipate significant surge energy, depending on their design.

Compact Size: Small form factors make them suitable for space-constrained designs.

What Reverse Standoff (Typ) Means in TVS Diodes and How to Choose the Right Value?

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