TVS Diode Selection Guide: Key Specs and Manufacturers

This guide provides information on how to select the right TVS diode for your application, and lists some popular TVS diode manufacturers. We’ll cover the key specifications to consider and show you how TVS diodes are used as protection circuits.

What is a TVS Diode?

Introduction: A TVS (Transient Voltage Suppression) diode is an electronic component designed to protect circuits from voltage spikes that can occur on wires. They’re essentially solid-state p-n junction devices that safeguard sensitive semiconductors from these damaging transient voltages.

Figure 1 illustrates typical TVS diode symbols and how they’re used in a protection circuit. TVS diodes are known for their fast response times and low clamping voltages. This makes them excellent protectors for semiconductors and other delicate components.

As shown in the figure, the TVS diode is used as a parallel protection element. The voltage-current (VI) characteristic of a TVS diode is similar to that of a Zener diode. However, TVS diodes are specifically designed for transient voltage suppression, while Zener diodes are designed for voltage regulation.

TVS Diode Selection Guide

When selecting a TVS diode for your specific application, consider the following specifications:

• Channel Type: Choose between Uni-directional or Bi-directional diodes depending on the nature of the voltage transients you expect.

• Leakage Current: This refers to the small amount of current that the diode conducts when the applied voltage is below the maximum reverse standoff voltage.

• Maximum Reverse Standoff Voltage: This is the voltage threshold below which minimal conduction occurs. You want this value to be high enough to avoid interference with the normal operation of your circuit.

• Breakdown Voltage: This is the voltage at which significant conduction begins.

• Clamping Voltage: This is the voltage at which the full rated current flows through the TVS diode. A lower clamping voltage indicates better protection.

• Capacitance @ Frequency: This is an important consideration for high-frequency applications, as excessive capacitance can affect signal integrity.

• Mounting Type and Package Type: Select a mounting and package that fits your board layout and assembly process.

TVS Diode Manufacturers

Here’s a list of some well-known TVS diode manufacturers: