
Understanding How TVS Diodes Work
In today’s hyperconnected world, electronics are more vulnerable than ever. Whether it’s a smartphone port, an automotive ECU, or a high-speed network switch, a sudden voltage spike—like electrostatic discharge (ESD), lightning strikes, or inductive load switching—can lead to irreversible damage. This results in unexpected downtime, costly repairs, or even total system failures.
The Solution: TVS Diodes – Your Surge Protection Guardians
TVS Diodes (Transient Voltage Suppression Diodes) act as the first line of defense against voltage surges. They are fast-acting semiconductor devices designed to protect sensitive components by clamping excessive voltage to safe levels within nanoseconds.
Whether you’re designing compact consumer devices, rugged automotive electronics, or mission-critical avionics systems, there’s a Littelfuse TVS diode solution for you
What Are TVS Diodes & How Do They Work?.
TVS diodes are special-purpose avalanche/Zener diodes engineered for surge suppression. In normal operation, they present high impedance and allow negligible current flow. However, when voltage spikes exceed the diode’s Breakdown Voltage (V_BR), the diode switches to low impedance mode, conducting heavy current to divert the surge away from sensitive circuits.
Let's break down some key electrical parameters:
- Reverse Stand-Off Voltage (V_RWM): This is the maximum voltage that can be applied before the device breaks down.
- Clamping Voltage (V_C): This represents the highest voltage that occurs during conduction.
- Peak Pulse Power (PPP): This indicates the amount of surge energy that the diode can safely absorb.
- Peak Pulse Current (I_PP): This is the maximum current that the diode can handle during a surge condition.
Types & Categories of TVS Diodes
Littelfuse provides a range of TVS diodes designed to meet the specific needs of various applications.
TVS Diode Type | Features | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Surface-Mount |
VR: 3.3 V to 553 V Power Ratings: 200 W to 4 kW Response time: <1 ms RoHS, UL94 V-0 compliant ESD protection up to 30 kV (air/contact) |
Space-saving Low inductance Excellent clamping |
Leaded |
VR: 5 V to 512 V Power Ratings: 400 W to 1.5 kW Response time: <1 ps UL94 V-0, RoHS, halogen-free |
Strong surge capability Easy through-hole mounting Wide compatibility |
Automotive |
AEC-Q101 qualified Low-profile and low inductance Fast response: <1 ps RoHS & halogen-free |
Protection from load-dump and ESD Designed for under-the-hood conditions |
High Power |
VR: up to 6.5 kV DC PPP: up to 30 kW IPP: up to 3 kA Reverse recovery time: <1.2 µs |
Industrial strength clamping Foldback technology Compact axial formats |
Avionics / Hi-Rel |
VR: 5 V to 345 V Power Ratings: 400 W to 30 kW IPP: up to 606 A Military-grade screening options |
Withstands lightning-level surges Space-saving Foldback clamping Strain relief available |
Comparison Table of TVS Diode Types
Type | Voltage Range | PPP | IPP | Response Time | Use Cases |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Surface-Mount | 3.3 V – 553 V | 200 W – 4 kW | 0.5 A – 326 A | < 1 ms | USB, HDMI, compact PCBs |
Leaded | 5 V – 512 V | 400 W – 1.5 kW | 0.5 A – 145 A | < 1 ps | General electronics, industrial |
Automotive | Varies (12–24V systems) | — | — | < 1 ps | ECUs, sensors, infotainment |
High Power | 1.7 kV – 6.5 kV | up to 30 kW | up to 3 kA | < 1.2 µs | Inverters, motors, solar systems |
Hi-Rel | 5 V – 345 V | 400 W – 30 kW | 2.2 A – 606 A | < 1 ps | Avionics, aerospace, radar |
Selecting the Proper TVS Diode Requires These Steps
To choose the right TVS diode you need to consider the following factors:
- System operating voltage requires matching V_R to maximum system voltage levels.
- You should match I_PP and PPP to the surge specifications that your system experiences.
- For DC lines select unidirectional TVS diodes while bidirectional TVS diodes are suitable for AC and data lines.
- Your layout design dictates whether you select between SMD and leaded packages.
- For automotive applications AEC-Q101 certification should be checked and for avionics applications MIL specification certification is necessary.
Applications of TVS Diodes
TVS diodes serve in the following areas:
- Consumer electronics – Protect USB, HDMI, and power rails.
- Automotive systems – Protect ECUs, sensors, infotainment.
- Telecom – Protect Ethernet, DSL, antennas, from lightning/ESD.
- Industrial & Power – Protect inverters, motor drives, automation controls.
- Avionics & Military – Found in radar, fly-by-wire and sensors.
Buy TVS Diodes in India – Littelfuse Authorized Distributor
We are an authorized Littelfuse distributor in India, offering:
- Full stock of Surface Mount, Leaded, Automotive, High Power & Hi-REL TVS Diodes
- Datasheets, selection guides, and expert application support
- RoHS, UL94 V-0, AEC-Q101 and military-grade certified devices
Conclusion
In today’s world, where electronics play a vital role in nearly every industry, TVS Diodes (Transient Voltage Suppression Diodes) have emerged as essential components for ensuring the reliability and longevity of systems. Whether it’s in consumer gadgets, automotive ECUs, telecom networks, or avionics systems, TVS diodes provide unparalleled protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD), lightning strikes, and other transient threats.
As an authorized Littelfuse distributor in India, we proudly offer a diverse selection of Surface Mount, Leaded, Automotive, High-Power, and High-Reliability TVS Diodes. Our commitment to technical expertise, quick delivery, and dependable support sets us apart.
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- Surface-mount TVS diodes for compact PCB designs
- Leaded TVS diodes for general-purpose use
- Automotive-grade TVS diodes (AEC-Q101 certified)
- High-power TVS diodes for industrial equipment
- Hi-Rel TVS diodes for avionics and aerospace systems
- Match system voltage with Reverse Stand-Off Voltage (VRWM)
- Match surge current (IPP) and power rating (PPP)
- Use unidirectional for DC and bidirectional for AC/data lines
- Ensure AEC-Q101 or MIL-spec compliance for automotive/military use
- Consumer electronics (USB, HDMI)
- Automotive (ECUs, sensors)
- Telecom (Ethernet, DSL, antennas)
- Industrial systems (inverters, automation)
- Avionics & military (radar, communication)