What are TVS Diodes

TVS Diodes are electronic components designed to protect sensitive electronics from high-voltage transients. They can respond to overvoltage events faster than most other types of circuit protection devices, and are offered in a variety of surface mount and through-hole circuit board mounting formats.

They function by limiting voltage to a certain level (referred to as a "clamping" device) with p-n junctions that have a larger cross-sectional area than those of a normal diode, allowing them to conduct large currents to ground

without sustaining damage.

TVS Diodes are generally used to protect against electrical overstress such as those induced by lightning strikes, inductive load switching, and electro-static discharge (ESD) associated with transmission on data lines and electronic circuits.

TVS Diodes can fit a wide range of circuit protection applications but were primarily designed to protect I/O interfaces in telecommunication and industrial equipment, computers and consumer electronics.

TVS Diode characteristics include:
Low incremental surge resistance
Unidirectional and Bidirectional polarities available
Reverse standoff voltages range from 5 to 512V
RoHS compliant–Matte Tin Pb-free plated
Surface-mount power ratings from 400W to 5,000W
Axial lead power ratings from 400W to 30,000W (30kW)
High current protection available for 6kA and 10kA