How do TVS diodes divert excess voltage and shield electronic devices from transients?
1 Answer
TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diodes are semiconductor devices designed to protect electronic circuits and components from voltage transients and spikes. These transient events can be caused by various factors such as lightning strikes, electrostatic discharge (ESD), inductive load switching, and other electrical disturbances. TVS diodes divert excess voltage and shield electronic devices from transients by using their specific electrical characteristics.
Here's how TVS diodes work to provide this protection:
Reverse Breakdown Voltage (Clamping Voltage): TVS diodes are designed with a specific reverse breakdown voltage, also known as the clamping voltage. When the voltage across the diode exceeds this threshold, the diode enters into a breakdown region, allowing current to flow through it. This effectively clamps the voltage to a safe level, preventing it from rising further and damaging the protected circuit.
Fast Response Time: TVS diodes have a very fast response time to transient events. When a voltage spike occurs, the diode quickly switches into its conducting state, creating a low-resistance path for the excess current to flow. This rapid response helps in diverting the transient energy away from the sensitive components and towards the ground or another designated path.
Low Impedance: TVS diodes have a low impedance (resistance) in their conducting state. This means that when the diode is clamping, it presents a minimal resistance to the transient current. As a result, the voltage across the protected circuit remains relatively low, minimizing the risk of damage to connected components.
High Surge Handling Capacity: TVS diodes are designed to handle high surge currents and energy levels. This ability to absorb and dissipate significant amounts of energy makes them effective at protecting sensitive electronics from severe voltage transients.
Bidirectional Protection: Some TVS diodes are designed for bidirectional protection, meaning they can handle voltage spikes in both positive and negative directions. This makes them suitable for applications where transients can occur in either polarity.
Parallel Circuit: TVS diodes are typically connected in parallel with the component or circuit to be protected. This ensures that the voltage across the protected component remains within a safe range during transient events. When the voltage exceeds the clamping voltage of the TVS diode, it becomes the path of least resistance, diverting the excess energy away from the circuit.
Overall, TVS diodes provide an essential line of defense against voltage transients by clamping the voltage to safe levels and redirecting potentially damaging energy away from sensitive electronic devices. Properly selected and integrated TVS diodes can significantly enhance the reliability and longevity of electronic systems.
Here's how TVS diodes work to provide this protection:
Reverse Breakdown Voltage (Clamping Voltage): TVS diodes are designed with a specific reverse breakdown voltage, also known as the clamping voltage. When the voltage across the diode exceeds this threshold, the diode enters into a breakdown region, allowing current to flow through it. This effectively clamps the voltage to a safe level, preventing it from rising further and damaging the protected circuit.
Fast Response Time: TVS diodes have a very fast response time to transient events. When a voltage spike occurs, the diode quickly switches into its conducting state, creating a low-resistance path for the excess current to flow. This rapid response helps in diverting the transient energy away from the sensitive components and towards the ground or another designated path.
Low Impedance: TVS diodes have a low impedance (resistance) in their conducting state. This means that when the diode is clamping, it presents a minimal resistance to the transient current. As a result, the voltage across the protected circuit remains relatively low, minimizing the risk of damage to connected components.
High Surge Handling Capacity: TVS diodes are designed to handle high surge currents and energy levels. This ability to absorb and dissipate significant amounts of energy makes them effective at protecting sensitive electronics from severe voltage transients.
Bidirectional Protection: Some TVS diodes are designed for bidirectional protection, meaning they can handle voltage spikes in both positive and negative directions. This makes them suitable for applications where transients can occur in either polarity.
Parallel Circuit: TVS diodes are typically connected in parallel with the component or circuit to be protected. This ensures that the voltage across the protected component remains within a safe range during transient events. When the voltage exceeds the clamping voltage of the TVS diode, it becomes the path of least resistance, diverting the excess energy away from the circuit.
Overall, TVS diodes provide an essential line of defense against voltage transients by clamping the voltage to safe levels and redirecting potentially damaging energy away from sensitive electronic devices. Properly selected and integrated TVS diodes can significantly enhance the reliability and longevity of electronic systems.