How TVS Diodes work

every electronic device, designers need to protect against ESD, EFT, surge and other overvoltage threats . TVS diodes provide a fast response, high withstand capability, long life, and low capacitance, making them ideal for protecting sensitive ICs with high speed interfaces. A TVS diode is a p-n junction diode that is placed in parallel with the circuit to be protected. TVS diodes have three key voltage ratings: reverse standoff voltage, breakdown voltage, and clamping voltage. During normal operation, with the circuit at or below the diode’s reverse standoff voltage, the diode does not conduct, and its low leakage current and low capacitance make it virtually transparent to the circuit. When an overvoltage event occurs and voltage begins to rise in the circuit, the TVS diode enters breakdown and shunts the incoming current to ground, keeping the voltage seen by the circuit at the diode’s clamping voltage and preventing damage.