What is the purpose of a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode?
1 Answer
The purpose of a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode is to protect sensitive electronic components and circuits from transient voltage spikes or surges. These voltage spikes may occur due to various reasons, such as lightning strikes, electromagnetic interference, electrostatic discharge, or sudden changes in the power supply.
When a transient voltage spike occurs, it can damage or destroy electronic components that are not designed to handle such high voltages. The TVS diode acts as a protective device by quickly diverting the excess voltage away from the sensitive components and dissipating it harmlessly.
TVS diodes are designed to have a low breakdown voltage, which means they start conducting electricity when the voltage across them reaches a certain threshold. When the voltage exceeds this threshold, the TVS diode effectively becomes a low-impedance path, providing a much easier route for the excess current to flow through. As a result, the voltage is clamped to a safe level, protecting the downstream components.
The TVS diode is a fast-acting device, responding almost instantaneously to voltage spikes. It can handle multiple transient events and continues to protect the circuit as long as the energy it needs to absorb remains within its ratings.
TVS diodes are commonly used in a wide range of electronic applications, including power supplies, communication systems, data lines, automotive electronics, and more, to ensure the reliability and longevity of the circuitry in the face of voltage transients.
When a transient voltage spike occurs, it can damage or destroy electronic components that are not designed to handle such high voltages. The TVS diode acts as a protective device by quickly diverting the excess voltage away from the sensitive components and dissipating it harmlessly.
TVS diodes are designed to have a low breakdown voltage, which means they start conducting electricity when the voltage across them reaches a certain threshold. When the voltage exceeds this threshold, the TVS diode effectively becomes a low-impedance path, providing a much easier route for the excess current to flow through. As a result, the voltage is clamped to a safe level, protecting the downstream components.
The TVS diode is a fast-acting device, responding almost instantaneously to voltage spikes. It can handle multiple transient events and continues to protect the circuit as long as the energy it needs to absorb remains within its ratings.
TVS diodes are commonly used in a wide range of electronic applications, including power supplies, communication systems, data lines, automotive electronics, and more, to ensure the reliability and longevity of the circuitry in the face of voltage transients.