Protect Your Electronic Systems from Overvoltage Risks

Miniature electronics are everywhere and only growing in popularity. While their portability offers convenience we can’t live without, it also exposes them to a greater range of electrical stressors, such as overcurrent and overvoltage. 

Overvoltage incidents pose significant risks to delicate components and can be triggered by electrostatic discharge (ESD), lightning-induced transients, power grid fluctuations, or inductive load switching within the device.

As electronic devices continue to shrink in size and increase in complexity, shielding these systems from overvoltage scenarios becomes increasingly crucial. 

Common Challenges in Designing Electronic Components

Creating electronic components for smaller, more intricate devices presents several challenges for engineers. Here are some of the most common issues: 

• Vulnerability to electrical stress: miniaturized electronic components are highly prone to electrical stresses like overcurrents and overvoltages, which can easily harm delicate parts, leading to system failures.
• System damage: overvoltages from ESD, lightning-induced transients, or inductive load switching can severely damage electronic systems, resulting in data loss, system failures, and even fires.
• High heat generation: many clamping devices generate excessive heat, impacting their performance and longevity. Overheating can also impair the protection device, diminishing its effectiveness over time.
• Inconsistent quality: variations in component quality can lead to unreliable system performance, frequent failures, and increased maintenance costs.
• Stringent automotive requirements: automotive applications demand high reliability and strict adherence to quality standards, as any malfunction under extreme conditions can have serious safety implications.

Fortunately, there are semiconductors designed to safeguard sensitive electronics from harmful transients and voltage spikes: TVS diodes.

What Are TVS Diodes?

TVS diodes or transient voltage suppressors are semiconductor devices that shield electronic circuits from transient voltage spikes. When a transient voltage surpasses a specific threshold, the TVS diode becomes conductive and redirects the excess energy away from the sensitive components, thus preventing damage.

How TVS Diodes Work

TVS diodes are the first line of defense against voltage spikes for electronic devices. Here’s a quick overview of how they function:

• Below a certain voltage threshold, TVS diodes remain inactive, allowing the circuit to operate normally.
• When the voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, the TVS diodes breakdown, diverting excess transient current away from vulnerable components, clamping the transient voltage within nanoseconds
• After the surge dissipates, the TVS diodes automatically reset to their non-conducting state and are well prepared for the next transient threat.
  
  

 Benefits of Effective TVS Diodes

Incorporating the appropriate TVS diodes into electronic systems yields numerous advantages:

• Enhanced reliability: Effective protection against overvoltage ensures that electronic systems operate reliably, reducing the risk of unexpected failures.
• Improved safety: TVS diodes help decrease the risk of electrical fires and other hazards, enhancing the safety of electronic systems.
• Component longevity: TVS diodes help prolong the lifespan of sensitive components by safeguarding them from overvoltage incidents, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
• Industry compliance: High-quality TVS diodes guarantee that products meet stringent industry standards, particularly vital in sectors like automotive and telecommunications.
• Cost-effectiveness: Preventing system failures and minimizing downtime results in significant cost savings regarding repairs and maintenance.
• Reduced interference: TVS diodes feature high impedance and noise attenuation, which minimize EMI in switching circuits often used in small electronics.

Whether it's an automotive ADAS system, cordless power tool, smart energy meter, or computer solid-state drive, TVS diodes offer the protection required for optimal performance.

TVS Selection: Quality Counts

Specifying proven and reliable TVS components is essential for the safety and longevity of your designs. Factors like breakdown voltage, peak pulse current, and clamping voltage need to be carefully considered to ensure effective protection of your products.

Designed and manufactured with the latest technology and highest quality standards, MCC's 4000+ TVS diodes deliver an ultimate solution to design challenges, offering strong protection against voltage transients. 

Partner with MCC to protect your systems and:

• Leverage proven quality and expertise
• Reduce downtime
• Minimize maintenance costs
• Improve the durability and safety of your projects

Explore our extensive TVS lineup featuring components ranging from 200W to 30kW peak pulse power. You can also discover additional design considerations in our comprehensive TVS guide.