The Essential Role TVS Diodes Play in Protecting Electronics

Did you know that transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diodes are essential in protecting sensitive electronic devices from harmful voltage spikes? 

From the increasing reliance on sensitive electronics to the growing popularity of compact devices, electronics are more at risk for voltage spikes and electrostatic discharge (ESD) than ever.

That’s why TVS diodes are crucial for modern electronic design, whether the application is automotive, industrial, consumer, or computing. 

Let’s take a closer look at three facts that underscore TVS diodes’ importance in ensuring the reliability and longevity of electronic devices..

1. TVS Diodes Provide Superior Protection Against Voltage Spikes

TVS diodes are specifically designed to safeguard sensitive electronic components from voltage spikes, which can be caused by lightning surges, electronic discharge, power grid fluctuations, or even inductive switching events within the system. 

Capable of responding in nanoseconds, TVS diodes “clamp” the transient voltage, diverting it away from the protected components while preventing damage to the device from overvoltage. TVS diodes are optimal semiconductor protection devices for most applications, thanks to the following properties:

• Clamping/residue voltage level: low
• Pulse cycle capability: excellent
• Response time: very fast

2. Low  Clamping Voltage is Key to TVS Diodes’ Optimal Overvoltage Protection 

TVS diodes leverage a low clamping voltage to enable greater protection against a wide range of overvoltage conditions. 

The breakdown voltage (VBR) is the point at which the diode begins to conduct and “clamps” to limit the voltage across the protected circuit to the clamping voltage (VC) level per the specifications of the TVS.  

This characteristic helps maintain signal integrity, optimizes system operation, and minimizes damage risk, improving reliability and longevity.

Typically, the lower the clamping voltage, the more comprehensive and effective the protection. However, there could be trade-offs, such as lower reverse working voltage. In some applications, a clamping voltage that’s too low may distort signal quality.

3. TVS Diodes Deliver Circuit Protection in a Variety of Packages

Available in through-hole and surface-mount configurations, TVS diodes offer additional design flexibility while simplifying integration into different electronic circuits. Package types and categories include:

Low-Profile TVS Packages: SOD-123FL, SOD-123HL, DO-221AC (SMA-FL), and SMBF.

Surface-Mount TVS Packages: SMA, SMB, SMC, and DO-218AB.

High-Power TVS Packages: SMG, SME, and AK.

Axial Leaded TVS Diode Packages: DO-41, DO-15, DO201AE, and R-6.

TVS diodes deliver critical overvoltage and ESD protection for various applications — from automotive ADAS and DC-DC converters to smart energy meters and cordless power tools.

For a deeper look at the advantages and design considerations of these guardians of sensitive electronics, check out our design resource, Understanding TVS Diodes: A Comprehensive Guide.