Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) Diode 1

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]I hope you all are fine; this is the eighth article in the series on the introduction to basic electronic components. In the previous article I have discussed the basics of the photodiode, in this article I will discuss the basics of the Transient Voltage Suppression Diode more commonly known as the TVS diode.

Introduction to TVS Diode:

After reading this post the reader will be able to learn about the basic introduction of the TVS diode, basic construction and working of the TVS diode and finally discuss the applications of the TVS diode. SO sit back, keep reading and enjoy learning.

Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) Diode

A Transient Voltage Suppression Diode also known as thyrector is a passive electronic component which is employed in electronic circuits in order to suppress the voltage spikes induced on the electrical wires. An important point to note here is that unidirectional TVS diode is essentially the diode with anode and cathode leads and allows the current to flow in one direction and inhibits its flow in the other direction. The TVS diode is basically the PN junction diode and is optimized to suppress transient overvoltage.

The TVS diodes are bidirectional and unidirectional, the schematic symbols of both types of the TVS diode are as shown in the following image:

Construction of TVS Diodes:

The TVS diode is a PN junction device that is the basic construction of the simple PN junction diode and the Transient Voltage Suppression Diode (TVS) Diode is essentially the same that is one side of the diode is doped with N-type material and other with P-type. But it is important to keep in mind and I have always mentioned that all the special purpose diodes are optimized to perform their dedicated tasks and thus the cross sectional area of the TVS diode is kept comparatively large and in order to let the diode bear the large current. The basic construction of the TVS diode is as shown in the following image:

Working of the TVS Diode:

The TVS diode works on the basis of the Avalanche Breakdown that is the diode is connected in reverse bias configuration to the wire or circuit which is to be protected from the voltage spikes. When a transient event occurs and the voltage across the TVS diode exceeds the avalanche breakdown voltage of the TVs diode the diode clamps the voltage and shunt all the excessive current. TVS diodes essentially act as the clamper for the high voltage spikes. The following waveforms will help to elaborate the idea.

Application of the TVS Diode:

The main application of the TVS diode is used in Voltage Suppression. Some of the applications of the TVS diode are:

• TVS diodes are used in power supplies.
• TVS diodes are used in mobile devices for ESD protection.
• TVS diodes are used in IC devices.

I hope this article would be helpful for you; I have discussed the basics construction, working and applications of the TVS diodes. That is all for now in the next article I will come up with more interesting engineering topics. Till then stay connected, keep reading and enjoy learning.