Understanding TVS Diodes:

A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding TVS Diodes

TVS diodes safeguard electronic systems from voltage spikes and transient surges. This informative guide explains everything you need to know about these mission-critical components.

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TVS - mcc semi - micro commercial components 100x150 transparent

What Are TVS Diodes?

Electronic devices — particularly miniaturized ones — are exposed to spikes in voltage caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD), lightning surges, power grid fluctuations, and even inductive switching events within the system. These transient events can be one-time occurrences or take place repeatedly.

TVS diodes or transient voltage suppressors are components that protect sensitive electronics from harmful and potentially dangerous spikes in voltage. These semiconductor devices are meticulously engineered to preserve delicate electronics during sudden overvoltage.

Acting as tiny shields, TVS diodes:

  • Protect electronic systems by limiting transient voltage spikes
  • Safeguard delicate components from damage due to overvoltage
  • Ensure the longevity and reliability of electronics by absorbing and dissipating excess energy during transient events

What Are TVS Diodes Used for?

The primary role of TVS diodes is to protect electronic systems by clamping transient voltage and diverting excess transient current away from the protected components, thereby maintaining reliable performance.

Because they ensure safe operation under varying environmental conditions, TVS diodes are crucial for a broad range of applications, including:

How Do TVS Diodes Work?

TVS diodes are typically connected in parallel with the circuits they protect and in a reversed direction. These components can operate in unidirectional or bidirectional configurations. Below a certain voltage threshold, the TVS diode remains inactive, and the circuit maintains normal operation.

Transient Voltage Suppressor also known as TVS - mcc semi - micro commercial components (600 x 350 px) real transparent

When the voltage exceeds the predetermined threshold the TVS diode detects this difference in nanoseconds, then “clamps” to divert the excess energy away from the circuit. The excessive transient current flows through the TVS back to the source, securing consistent voltage for the protected system.

After the surge is over, the TVS diode will automatically reset to its non-conducting state, ready to protect the circuit from the next unexpected surge.

TVS Diodes Provide Superior Overvoltage Protection

Compared to other overvoltage protection devices, including metal oxide varistors (MOV), thyristors, and gas discharge tubes (GDT), TVS diodes are commonly used due to their effective clamping mechanism and system level compatibility:

Graph - Original Transient Graph - mcc semi - micro commercial components

What Are the Advantages of TVS Diodes?

TVS diodes offer a range of benefits that make them indispensable in assuring the reliable operation of electronic systems. By absorbing and dissipating energy during transient events, TVS diodes also deliver the following 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, which is particularly vital in sectors like automotive and aerospace.
  • 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.
  • Versatility: These diodes can be used in various applications to safeguard a wide range of electronic devices and systems.

TVS Diode Parameters

Before specifying the appropriate TVS diode for a design, engineers should have a solid understanding of the parameters that impact the device’s ability to protect circuits from overvoltage and transients effectively.

The clamping voltage - TVS - mcc semi - micro commercial components 800x800

What is Clamping Voltage in TVS Diodes?

For TVS diodes, the breakdown voltage (VBR) is the point at which the diode begins to conduct and limit voltage at the clamping voltage (VC) level across protected components, preventing exposure to damaging spikes in voltage.

The combination of clamping voltage and the peak pulse current (IPP) should not exceed the peak pulse power (PPP) of the TVS. Otherwise, the TVS will suffer electrical overstress and this may result in damage or catastrophic failure.

A lower clamping voltage offers better protection but may introduce signal distortion. It’s best to consider all parameters carefully when selecting a TVS diode.

What is Peak Pulse Power?

A TVS diode’s peak pulse power (PPP) is the maximum rate at which the electrical energy is transferred during a pulse without the TVS being damaged. Expressed in watts, peak pulse power is critical when selecting a TVS diode, and it indicates the diode’s ability to handle spikes and energy levels effectively to prevent damage to connected components and systems.

Peak pulse power is not to be confused with the peak pulse current (IPP). Peak pulse current is measured in amperes and represents the maximum amount of electrical current that flows during a pulse. A selected TVS should have a peak pulse current that exceeds the anticipated transient current to ensure the component can safely absorb the surge.

How Does TVS Diode Working Voltage Work?

The working voltage of a TVS diode is its normal operational state when the component is dormant and ready to react to an unexpected surge. If the voltage exceeds the diode’s breakdown voltage (VBR), the TVS immediately activates to divert additional current from the protected components.

Ensuring TVS Diode Reliability and Performance

The effective protection of sensitive electronic systems often hinges on the reliability and performance of the TVS diode used in the design. Understanding what could cause a TVS diode to fail, selecting the appropriate diode for your needs, and ensuring the correct parameters are essential steps in specifying the right component and maintaining system integrity.

Top Causes of TVS Diode Failure

Choosing the incorrect parameters or a low-quality TVS component can lead to dire consequences. The most common cause of TVS failure? Current flow that exceeds the diode’s peak pulse power rating.

When the TVS fails altogether or sustains significant damage, it can lead to:

  • Severe damage to electronic systems
  • Data loss
  • System failures
  • Fires and other safety hazards
  • Unreliable system performance
  • Increased maintenance costs

Selecting the Right TVS Diode

Here’s how to specify the right TVS for your project:

  • Choose the reverse working voltage slightly higher than the system’s nominal voltage. Our experts recommend increasing the reverse working voltage (VRWM) slightly when choosing a TVS diode to avoid the avalanche breakdown stage. For example, a 12V line should be protected by a 14V TVS.
  • Select a peak pulse power rating based on testing requirements and environmental conditions.
  • Choose the package best-suited for your size, power, and form factor needs.

TVS Diodes Are Available in a Wide Variety of Packages

TVS diodes are available in diverse packages to suit various applications. The most popular options for protecting electronics against transient events are SMA, SMC, SMB, SOD-123, and SOD-323.

MCC offers a broad range of TVS packages and mounting types:

Low-Profile TVS Packages

Low Profile SMD Packages - mcc semi - micro commercial components

Our low-profile surface-mount devices (SMD) are available in popular SOD-123FL packages, as well as DO-221AC and SMBF.

Surface-Mount TVS Packages

MCC’s surface-mount TVS components are available in diverse package options like SMA, SMB, SMC, and DO-218AB.

Surface Mount Packages - mcc semi - micro commercial components

High-Power TVS Packages

High-power applications are met with robust packages including SMG, SME, and the AK series with peak currents from 1K to 15K.

High Power Package - mcc semi - micro commercial components

Axial Leaded TVS Diode Packages

Ideal for specialized design requirements, MCC also offers axial leaded packages ranging from the compact DO-41 to larger R6 options.

Each package offers specific benefits in size, power capacity, and form factor, ensuring seamless integration into a broad range of electronic systems.

Axial Leaded Packages - mcc semi - micro commercial components

Explore MCC's Diverse Range of TVS Diodes

MCC offers a comprehensive selection of TVS diodes to meet various application and power needs. Our robust lineup of TVS components features more than 4,000 products, with new TVS components introduced regularly.

MCC’s Non-Automotive TVS Products

For industrial, commercial, and computing applications, our selection of TVS diodes features handling power from 200W to 6,000W. These diodes are available in packages from SOD-123 and SMA to innovative SMB options with power up to 2000W.

We meet high-power demands with TVS solutions ranging from 15kW to 30kW, making them ideal for challenging environments with strong transient interference. Our high-power TVS diodes include the AK series, fully tested for peak currents following UL and IEC industry standards.

MCC’s Robust Auto-Grade TVS Diode Portfolio

Nearly half of our TVS portfolio (40%) is tailored to meet the stringent requirements of automotive applications, including AEC-Q101 qualification. These diodes feature peak pulse power ratings from 200W to 6,600W and are available in a variety of SMD packages. Our automotive components undergo rigorous testing from advanced facilities to ensure uncompromising quality and performance.

TVS diodes are a must when it comes to protecting sensitive electronics by mitigating transient spikes. However, a deep understanding of their function and specifications is required for seamlessly integrating these diodes into your designs for maximum performance and reliability.

No matter the application or design parameters, MCC has reliable TVS solutions to meet any need.

Explore MCC’s TVS Products

MCC's Non-Automotive TVS

Non-Automotive-Grade TVS (surface-mount type)
PPP (W) Configuration Package Family Series VRWM (V)
200 Bi-dir SOD-123FL SMF 5 ~ 170
Uni-dir SOD-123FL SMF 5 ~ 170
Uni-dir SOD-123HL SMH 5 ~ 100
Bi-dir SOD-123FL SM4F 5 ~ 45
Bi-dir DO-221AC SMAF 5 ~ 300
400 Bi-dir SMA SMAJ 5 ~ 440
Bi-dir SMA SMAJP4KE 5.8 ~ 495
Bi-dir SMA SMAJS 24
Uni-dir SOD-123HL SM4H 5 ~ 100
Uni-dir SOD-123FL SM4F 5 ~ 100
Uni-dir DO-221AC SMAF 5 ~ 300
Uni-dir SMA SMAJ 5 ~ 440
Uni-dir SMA SMAJP4KE 5.8 ~ 495
Non-Automotive-Grade TVS (surface-mount type)
PPP (W) Configuration Package Family Series VRWM (V)
500 Uni-dir SMB SMBSAC 5 ~ 50
Bi-dir DO-221AC SMA6J..FL 11 ~ 85
  Bi-dir SMBF SMBF 5 ~ 220
Bi-dir SMA SMA6J 5 ~ 58
Bi-dir SMB SMBJ 5 ~ 440
  Bi-dir SMB SMBJ..L 220 ~ 440
Bi-dir SMB SMBJP6KE 5.8 ~ 468
600 Uni-dir DO-221AC SMA6J..FL 5 ~ 130
Uni-dir SMBF SMBF 5 ~ 220
  Uni-dir SMA SMA6J 5 ~ 58
Uni-dir SMB SMBJ 5 ~ 440
Uni-dir SMB SMBJ..L 220 ~ 440
Uni-dir SMB SMBJP6KE 5.8 ~ 468
  Uni-dir SMB SMBJP6KE..L 214 ~ 342

MCC's Non-Automotive TVS

Non-Automotive-Grade TVS (surface-mount type)
PPP (W) Configuration Package Family Series VRWM (V)
1000 Bi-dir SMB SMB10J 5 ~ 120
Bi-dir SMB SMBJ1.0KE 5.8 ~ 77.8
Uni-dir SMB SMB10J 5 ~ 120
Uni-dir SMB SMBJ1.0KE 5.8 ~ 77.8
1500 Bi-dir SMB SMB15J 15 ~ 58
Bi-dir SMC SMCJ1.5KE 5.8 ~ 495
Bi-dir SMC SMCJ 5 ~ 440
Uni-dir SMB SMBJ15J 15 ~ 58
Uni-dir SMC SMCJ1.5KE 5.8 ~ 495
Uni-dir SMC SMCJ 5 ~ 440
2000 Bi-dir SMB SMB20J 20 ~ 58
Uni-dir SMB SMBJ20J 20 ~ 58
3000 Bi-dir SMC SMLJ 5 ~ 440
Uni-dir SMC SMLJ 5 ~ 440
5000 Bi-dir SMC 5.0SMLJ 11 ~ 400
Uni-dir SMC 5.0SMLJ 11 ~ 400
Non-Automotive-Grade TVS (axial leaded type)
PPP (W) Configuration Package Family Series VRWM (V)
400 Bi-dir DO-41 P4KE(5.8~495) 5.8 ~ 495
Uni-dir DO-41 P4KE(5.8~495) 5.8 ~ 495
500 Bi-dir DO-15 P5KE(5~200) 5 ~ 200
Bi-dir DO-15 SA(5~170) 5 ~ 170
Uni-dir DO-15 P5KE(5~200) 5 ~ 200
Uni-dir DO-15 SA(5~170) 5 ~ 170
600 Bi-dir DO-15 P6KE(5.8~512) 5.8 ~ 512
Uni-dir DO-15 P6KE(5.8~512) 5.8 ~ 512
1500 Bi-dir DO-201AE 1.5KE(5.8~467) 5.8 ~ 467
Uni-dir DO-201AE 1.5KE(5.8~467) 5.8 ~ 467
Uni-dir DO-201AE LCE(6.5~28) 6.5 ~ 28
3000 Bi-dir R-6 3KP(5~220) 5 ~ 220
Uni-dir R-6 3KP(5~220) 5 ~ 220
5000 Bi-dir R-6 5KP(5~440) 5 ~ 440
Bi-dir R-6 5KP..L(22~188) 22 ~ 188
Uni-dir R-6 5KP(5~440) 5 ~ 440
Uni-dir R-6 5KP..L(22~188) 22 ~ 188
6000 Bi-dir R-6 SLD(10~60) 10 ~ 60
Uni-dir R-6 SLD(10~60) 10 ~ 60

MCC's High-Power TVS

High-Power TVS (axial leaded type)
PPP (W) Configuration Package Family Series VRWM (V)
15000 Bi-dir R-6 15KP(17~280) 17 ~ 280
Bi-dir R-6 15KP..L(17~280) 17 ~ 280
Uni-dir R-6 15KP(17~280) 17 ~ 280
Uni-dir R-6 5KP..L(17~280) 17 ~ 280
30000 Bi-dir R-6 30KP(28~288) 28 ~ 288
Uni-dir R-6 30KP(28~288) 28 ~ 288
High-Power TVS (IPP rating)
IPP (A) Configuration Package Family Series VRWM (V)
1000 Bi-dir AK AK1(76) 76
2500 Bi-dir SMG SMGJ(80) 80
3000 Bi-dir AK AK3(30~430) 30 ~ 430
6000 Bi-dir AK AK6(58~430) 58 ~ 430
10000 Bi-dir SME SMEJ(58~86) 58 ~ 86
Bi-dir AK AK10(58~430) 58 ~ 430
15000 Bi-dir AK AK15(58~76) 58 ~ 76

MCC's Automotive TVS

Automotive-Grade TVS
PPP (W) Configuration Package Family Series VRWM (V)
200 Bi-dir SOD-123FL SMF..Q 5 ~ 100
Uni-dir SOD-123FL SMF..HE3 5 ~ 100
Uni-dir SOD-123FL SMF..Q 5 ~ 100
400 Bi-dir SOD-123FL SM4F..HE3 6 ~ 45
Bi-dir SMA SMAJ..HE3 5 ~ 190
Bi-dir SMA SMAJ..Q 5 ~ 190
Bi-dir SMA SMAJP4KE..HE3 10.2 ~ 185
Bi-dir SMA SMAJP4KE..Q 5.8 ~ 185
Uni-dir SOD-123FL SM4F..HE3 6 ~ 100
Uni-dir SMA SMAJ..HE3 5 ~ 190
Uni-dir SMA SMAJ..Q 5 ~ 190
Uni-dir SMA SMAJP4KE..HE3 10.2 ~ 185
Uni-dir SMA SMAJP4KE..Q 5.8 ~ 185

MCC's Automotive TVS

Automotive-Grade TVS
PPP (W) Configuration Package Family Series VRWM (V)
600 Bi-dir DO-221AC SMA6J..FLQ 5 ~ 85
Bi-dir SMA SMA6J..HE3 10 ~ 100
Bi-dir SMA SMA6J..Q 10 ~ 20
Bi-dir SMB SMBJ..HE3 5 ~ 190
Bi-dir SMB SMBJ..Q 5 ~ 190
Bi-dir SMB SMBJP6KE..HE3 10.2 ~ 185
Bi-dir SMB SMBJP6KE..Q 5.8 ~ 185
Uni-dir DO-221AC SMA6J..FLQ 5 ~ 85
Uni-dir SMA SMA6J..HE3 10 ~ 100
Uni-dir SMA SMA6J..Q 10 ~ 100
Uni-dir SMB SMBJ..HE3 5 ~ 190
Uni-dir SMB SMBJ..Q 5 ~ 190
Uni-dir SMB SMBJP6KE..HE3 10.2 ~ 185
Uni-dir SMB SMBJP6KE..Q 5.8 ~ 185
Automotive-Grade TVS
PPP (W) Configuration Package Family Series VRWM (V)
1500 Bi-dir SMC SMCJ1.5KE..HE3 10.2 ~ 185
Bi-dir SMC SMCJ1.5KE..Q 5.8 ~ 185
Bi-dir SMC SMCJ..HE3 10 ~ 190
Bi-dir SMC SMCJ..Q 5 ~ 190
Uni-dir SMC SMCJ1.5KE..HE3 10.2 ~ 185
Uni-dir SMC SMCJ1.5KE..Q 5.8 ~ 185
Uni-dir SMC SMCJ..HE3 10 ~ 190
Uni-dir SMC SMCJ..Q 5 ~ 190
3000 Bi-dir SMC SMLJ48..HE3A 10 ~ 48
Bi-dir SMC SMLJ..Q 5 ~ 48
Uni-dir SMC SMLJ48..HE3A 10 ~ 48
Uni-dir SMC SMLJ..Q 5 ~ 48
5000 Bi-dir SMC 5.0SMLJ..HE3 5 ~ 85
Uni-dir SMC 5.0SMLJ..HE3 5 ~ 85
6600 Bi-dir DO-218AB SM8S..HE3 14 ~ 43
Uni-dir DO-218AB SM8S..HE3 10 ~ 43

Additional Resources

MCC Solutions Guide_ TVS Diodes - micro commercial components

TVS Diodes Brochure

automotive - computing - industrial - consumer - applications - mcc semi - micro commercial components

Applications

TVS Diodes Catalog - mcc semi - Micro Commercial Components website

TVS Diodes Catalog

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