What is a transient suppression diode? The basic structure, characteristics, working principle, specifications, applications, instructions for use, installation, and market prospects of transient suppression diodes

Transient Voltage Suppression Diode, also known as TVS diode, is an electronic device used to protect circuits from transient overvoltage effects. It can quickly conduct and absorb transient overvoltage in the circuit when working in it, to protect other electronic components from damage.

1、 Basic structure:

Transient suppression diodes are usually composed of a PN structure, which is very similar to the structure of ordinary diodes. However, unlike ordinary diodes, transient suppression diodes introduce an additional ion doped region between the transistor and the base region. This additional doping region enables the transient suppression diode to detect overvoltage in the circuit and quickly conduct.

2、 Characteristics:

Transient suppression diodes have the following characteristics:

1. Fast response speed: Transient suppression diodes can respond to transient overvoltages in nanoseconds, protecting other electronic components from damage.

2. High breakdown voltage: Transient suppression diodes have a high breakdown voltage and can withstand large transient overvoltages.

3. Low leakage current: Transient suppression diodes have low leakage current under normal operating conditions and will not affect the normal operation of the circuit.

4. High energy absorption capacity: Transient suppression diodes can absorb large amounts of energy, protecting other electronic components from energy shocks.

3、 Working principle:

The working principle of transient suppression diodes is based on the Zener effect and breakdown effect. When the voltage is within the forward operating range, its behavior is similar to that of a regular diode. But when the voltage exceeds its threshold voltage (usually referred to as breakdown voltage), the transient suppression diode will automatically conduct, forming a low resistance path to conduct the overvoltage to ground or other grounding points.

Within the normal operating range, the transient suppression diode is in a high impedance state and only conducts when the voltage exceeds a specific threshold. Once conductive, its resistance value will rapidly decrease to an extremely low level in order to quickly absorb overvoltage and guide it to ground. When the overvoltage disappears, the transient suppression diode will automatically return to a high resistance state and wait for the next overvoltage event.

4、 Specifications:

The specifications of transient suppression diodes mainly include:

1. Rated Standoff Voltage: The rated breakdown voltage of a transient suppression diode refers to the maximum forward voltage it can withstand. This value is usually given in the data manual.

2. Peak Pulse Current Rating: The maximum pulse current that a transient suppression diode can withstand, typically measured in amperes (A). This value is used to evaluate the operational capability of the diode during breakdown.

3. Peak Pulse Power Dissection: The maximum pulse power that a transient suppression diode can withstand, typically measured in watts (W). This value is used to evaluate the energy absorption capacity of the diode during breakdown.

4. Response Time: The response time of a transient suppression diode refers to the time it takes for it to transition from a normal operating state to a conducting state. The smaller the value, the better, indicating that the transient suppression diode can respond faster to overvoltage events.

5. Packaging types: Transient suppression diodes come in various packaging types, such as SMA, SMB, SMD, etc. The choice of appropriate packaging type depends on application requirements and space limitations.

5、 Application:

Transient suppression diodes are widely used in various electronic devices and circuits to protect them from damage caused by transient voltage interference. Here are some common application areas:

1. Communication equipment: TVS diodes are commonly used to protect communication equipment such as telephone lines, fiber optic communication, and network devices from damage caused by lightning strikes, electromagnetic interference, and other factors.

2. Power supply and electrical equipment: TVS diodes are widely used in power lines, power adapters, switching power supplies, motor drivers, and other devices to protect them from power fluctuations, overvoltage, and electromagnetic interference.

3. Automotive Electronics: TVS diodes are used in automotive electronic systems to protect electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, ignition systems, and other equipment, preventing damage to automotive circuits from starting, short circuits, overvoltage, and other issues.

4. Industrial Control: TVS diodes are widely used in industrial automation equipment, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and other industrial control devices to protect equipment from power line interference, electromagnetic wave interference, and voltage surges.

5. Household appliances: TVS diodes are used in the power and signal lines of household appliances such as televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, etc., to prevent damage to equipment caused by overvoltage caused by power grid faults and lightning strikes.

6、 Instructions for use:

When using TVS diodes, the following points should be noted:

1. Choose appropriate specifications: Based on the application scenario and requirements, select the appropriate TVS diode specifications, including maximum operating voltage, rated power, breakdown voltage, and response time.

2. Correct connection method: Connect the TVS diode correctly to the circuit that needs protection, usually by paralleling it to the input/output terminals of the protected component or circuit.

3. Ensure good grounding: Ensure that the TVS diode is well connected to the ground to provide an effective current loop and achieve overvoltage protection.

4. Appropriate layout and installation: When laying out and installing TVS diodes, their distance from other components should be considered to minimize the effects of inductance and capacitance.

5. Regular inspection and replacement: Regularly check the working status of TVS diodes, and if any faults or failures are found, they should be replaced in a timely manner.

7、 Installation:

The installation of TVS diodes usually follows the following steps:

1. Cleaning: Before installation, ensure that the installation area is clean, free of dust and debris.

2. Positioning: Choose a suitable location to install the TVS diode, ensuring that the distance between it and the components or circuits that need protection is as short as possible.

3. Welding: Use appropriate welding tools to solder the TVS diode onto the circuit board. Pay attention to welding time and temperature to avoid damaging the diode.

4. Connection: Connect the TVS diode correctly to the protected component or circuit, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.

5. Testing: After installation, conduct necessary tests to ensure that the TVS diode is working properly and can effectively suppress transient voltage interference.

8、 Market prospects:

With the popularization and continuous expansion of electronic devices, the demand for transient suppression diodes is also increasing. Especially in the fields of communication, automotive electronics, industrial control, etc., the demand for circuit protection is even more urgent. Therefore, the transient suppression diode market has broad prospects.

With the continuous advancement of technology, the performance of transient suppression diodes is also constantly improving, such as faster response time and stronger energy absorption ability. This enables transient suppression diodes to more effectively protect electronic devices, improving their reliability and stability.

In addition, with the rapid development of electronic devices and the intensification of market competition, the requirements for circuit protection are constantly increasing. Therefore, the market demand for transient suppression diodes will continue to grow and is expected to achieve greater development space in the future