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Transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diodes are semiconductor devices that provide protection from voltage transients in electronic circuits and systems. They are one of the most commonly used devices for overvoltage protection and are useful in circuits requiring protection against spikes, surges and electrostatic discharges (ESDs).
Working of TVS Diodes TVS diodes work on the principle of transient clamping. These diodes have a breakdown voltage above the normal operating voltage of the circuit. When the voltage across the diode exceeds its breakdown voltage, it gets forward biased and starts conducting current, thereby limiting the excess voltage. This helps divert high voltage transients to ground before they can damage sensitive components in a circuit. Transient Voltage Suppressor Diode undergo an avalanche multiplication process during the transient events and short the excess voltage to the ground. Their fast response time of few nanoseconds makes them very effective surge protectors. Types of Transient Voltage Suppressor Diode TVS diodes are available in different configurations depending on the type of application and level of protection required: Unidirectional TVS Diodes: These diodes conduct current in only one direction and thus provide protection from either positive or negative transient voltages. They are used as basic overvoltage protectors for low power circuits operating at low voltages. Bidirectional TVS Diodes: Bidirectional or dual diode TVS devices contain two diodes back-to-back in one package and thus offer spike protection in both directions. They find application in circuits with common mode transients of both polarities. High-Energy TVS Diodes: For circuits requiring protection against high voltage and high-energy transients, special high-energy TVS diodes rated for hundreds of joules are available. Automotive circuits are common applications. Surface Mount TVS Diodes: Modern SMD (surface-mount device) packaged TVS diodes are commonly used for circuit board-level protection due to their compact size and compatibility with automatic insertion on PCBs. Applications of TVS Diodes Given their fast response and simple design, TVS diodes are widely employed as overvoltage protectors across many industries: Telecommunications: Used to protect expensive phone line equipment, modems, fax machines from high voltage surges caused by lightning strikes on phone lines. Computers and Peripherals: Provide ESD protection for sensitive components in computer systems, monitors, printers, etc. from damage due to electrostatic charges. Industrial Equipment: Surge protection for motor drives, PLCs, sensors in manufacturing machinery vulnerable to transients from heavy loads and inductive switching. Automotive Electronics: Ignition systems, sensors, control modules protected from voltage spikes produced by opening/closing of relays, solenoids during engine starting/stopping. Appliances: Refrigerators, microwave ovens, UPS systems employ TVS diodes to prevent failures from mains wiring faults and lightning-induced transients. Benefits of Transient Voltage Suppressor Diode Protection Reliable transient suppression using TVS diodes delivers numerous advantages for business continuity and reduced repair costs: Increased circuit reliability - Critical electronics are secured from unpredictable voltage anomalies that can cause failures over time. Lower maintenance costs - Surge protection prevents expensive component replacement from surges, thus reducing downtime. Extended equipment lifespan - By diverting damaging transients, TVS diodes enhance lifetime of sensitive components. Improved power quality - Clean power is delivered to circuits by suppressing surges and spikes at their point of origin. Standard surge protection - TVS diodes provide basic, cost-effective protection without need for complex/bulky devices. Simplified designs - The simple, compact package of TVS diodes makes them easy to integrate into existing designs. Transient Voltage Suppressor Diode are a fundamental element of prudent surge protection strategies for maintaining continuity of operations across various industries that depend on sensitive electronics. Their flexibility and ease of use at economical costs make them a mainstay for transient suppression in circuit boards and systems. With proper selection of ratings, TVS diodes can effectively shield valuable assets and infrastructure from voltage extremes. Get more insights on Transient Voltage Suppressor Diode
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