How does a TVS device work?

The TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diode, also known as the transient suppression diode, is a new type of high-efficiency circuit protection device that is widely used, which has an extremely fast response time (sub-nanosecond range) and a fairly high surge absorption capacity. When its two ends are subjected to an instantaneous high-energy impact, the TVS can change the impedance value between the two ends from high impedance to low impedance at a very high speed, so as to absorb an instantaneous high current, and clamp the voltage at both ends of it to a predetermined value, so as to protect the circuit components behind it from the impact of transient high-voltage spikes.

TVS diodes work similarly to common Zener diodes, if the breakdown voltage is higher than the breakdown voltage on the mark, the TVS diode will turn on, and TVS diodes have a higher current conduction capacity compared to Zener diodes. When the poles of a TVS diode are subjected to a reverse transient high-energy shock, the high impedance between the two poles becomes low impedance at a speed of 10^-12S, while absorbing up to several kilowatts of surge power. The voltage clamp between the two poles is located at a safe value, which effectively protects the delicate components in the electronic circuit from the damage of surge pulses.

TVS devices, referred to as TVS devices, can immediately reduce their operating impedance to a very low on-on value when subjected to a high-energy transient overvoltage pulse under specified reverse application conditions, allowing large currents to pass through and clamping the voltage to a predetermined level, thereby effectively protecting the delicate components in the electronic circuit from damage.

The TVS can withstand instantaneous pulse power of up to kilowatts, and its clamping response time is only 1ps (10^-12S).

The allowable forward inrush current of TVS can reach 50~200A under the conditions of T = 25°C and T = 10ms.

Bidirectional TVS can absorb instantaneous large pulse power in both positive and negative directions, and clamp the voltage to a predetermined level, bidirectional TVS is suitable for AC circuits, and unidirectional TVS is generally used for DC circuits.