Transient Voltage Suppression Diode (TVS), also known as clamp diode, is a high-performance circuit protection device commonly used in the world. It has the same appearance as a normal diode, but can absorb up to several kilowatts of surge power. Its main feature is that under reverse application conditions, when subjected to a large pulse of high energy, its working impedance immediately drops to a very low conduction value, allowing large currents to pass while clamping the voltage at a predetermined level. The response time is only 10-12 milliseconds, so it can effectively protect the precision components in the electronic circuit.

The forward surge current allowed by the transient voltage suppression diode can reach 50-200A at TA=250C and T=10ms. The bidirectional TVS can absorb instantaneous large pulse power in both positive and negative directions and clamp the voltage to a predetermined level. The bidirectional TVS is suitable for AC circuits, and the unidirectional TVS is generally used for DC circuits. It can be used for lightning protection, over-voltage, anti-interference, and surge power absorption. It is an ideal protection device. Tolerance is expressed in watts (W).

Main electrical parameters of state voltage suppression diode

(1) breakdown voltage V (BR)

In the region where breakdown occurs, the voltage across the device is measured under the specified test current I(BR), which is called the breakdown voltage. In this region, the diode becomes a low-impedance path.

(2) Maximum reverse pulse peak current IPP

The maximum pulse peak current that the device is allowed to pass under specified pulse conditions during reverse operation. The product of IPP and the maximum clamp voltage VC(MAX) is the maximum value of the transient pulse power.

The TVS should be properly selected for use so that the rated transient pulse power PPR is greater than the maximum transient surge power that may be present in the protected device or line.