Understanding TVS Diodes: A Comprehensive Guide

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.

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:

Automotive: From the in-cabin infotainment center to the body control module (BCM) and safety features like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), TVS diodes are a must for surges and ESD protection to maintain automotive system reliability.
Computing: Personal and professional computing devices and line signals require reliable protection from transient spikes that could cause system failure and data loss. TVS applications range from solid state drives and DC fans that cool notebooks and computers to uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and DC-DC converters.
Industrial: From smart energy meters to electrical panel switches for solar systems and robust machinery, industrial devices are vulnerable to transient spikes amid harsh environments.
Consumer: TVS diodes are essential for a host of consumer devices that deliver convenience and productivity — from cordless power tools and class D amplifiers to eco-friendly cordless lawn mowers.

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.

How Does a Clamping Voltage Diode Work?

A clamping voltage diode, commonly referred to as a transient voltage suppressor (TVS), plays an essential role in protecting electronic components from sudden voltage spikes. They achieve this by redirecting excess voltage, thereby safeguarding sensitive devices from damage.

Mechanism of Action

Detection and Diversion: When there is a rapid increase in voltage, the clamping diode detects the surge and becomes conductive. This enables the diode to divert excess current away from sensitive components, thereby protecting them.
Voltage Limitation: During conduction, the diode clamps the voltage to a predetermined safe level. This action shields the circuit from potentially harmful overvoltage effects.
Rapid Response: TVS clamping diodes respond quickly to voltage transients, which is crucial for preventing even brief spikes from causing damage to vulnerable circuitry.

Benefits of Clamping Diodes

Protection: They provide a reliable defense for electronics, ensuring longevity and functionality.
Efficiency: Their swift response to voltage changes makes them more efficient than other protective components.
Versatility: Clamping diodes are suitable for various applications, ranging from protecting household electronics to safeguarding industrial equipment.

In summary, clamping voltage diodes are crucial for maintaining the durability and resilience of electronic systems by offering essential protection against unexpected electrical surges.

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

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

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)

P_PP (W)	Configuration	Package	Family Series	V_RWM (V)
200	Bi-dir	SOD-123FL	SMF	5 ~ 170
	Uni-dir	SOD-123FL	SMF	5 ~ 170
	Uni-dir	SOD-123HL	SMH	5 ~ 100
400	Bi-dir	SOD-123FL	SM4F	5 ~ 45
	Bi-dir	DO-221AC	SMAF	5 ~ 300
	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)

P_PP (W)	Configuration	Package	Family Series	V_RWM (V)
500	Uni-dir	SMB	SMBSAC	5 ~ 50
600	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
	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)

P_PP (W)	Configuration	Package	Family Series	V_RWM (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
2000	Uni-dir	SMB	SMBJ20J	20 ~ 58
3000	Bi-dir	SMC	SMLJ	5 ~ 440
3000	Uni-dir	SMC	SMLJ	5 ~ 440
5000	Bi-dir	SMC	5.0SMLJ	11 ~ 400
5000	Uni-dir	SMC	5.0SMLJ	11 ~ 400

Non-Automotive-Grade TVS (axial leaded type)

P_PP (W)	Configuration	Package	Family Series	V_RWM (V)
400	Bi-dir	DO-41	P4KE(5.8~495)	5.8 ~ 495
400	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
600	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
3000	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
6000	Uni-dir	R-6	SLD(10~60)	10 ~ 60

MCC's High-Power TVS

High-Power TVS (axial leaded type)

P_PP (W)	Configuration	Package	Family Series	V_RWM (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
30000	Uni-dir	R-6	30KP(28~288)	28 ~ 288

High-Power TVS (IPP rating)

I_PP (A)	Configuration	Package	Family Series	V_RWM (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
10000	Bi-dir	AK	AK10(58~430)	58 ~ 430
15000	Bi-dir	AK	AK15(58~76)	58 ~ 76

MCC's Automotive TVS

Automotive-Grade TVS

P_PP (W)	Configuration	Package	Family Series	V_RWM (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

P_PP (W)	Configuration	Package	Family Series	V_RWM (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

P_PP (W)	Configuration	Package	Family Series	V_RWM (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
5000	Uni-dir	SMC	5.0SMLJ..HE3	5 ~ 85
6600	Bi-dir	DO-218AB	SM8S..HE3	14 ~ 43
6600	Uni-dir	DO-218AB	SM8S..HE3	10 ~ 43

Understanding TVS Diodes:

A Comprehensive Guide