How do I identify a TVS diode?
TVS diodes will usually be located near the power connector, but not always. Since TVS diodes in HDD applications are surface mounted devices, they will be identified with an abbreviated marking code rather than a full part number. Some common marking codes for 12V diodes are LE, LEM, LEK, BUX, KVP, 13L.
How do I choose a TVS diode for ESD protection?
To obtain good ESD protection performance, select a TVS diode with the clamp voltage higher than the line voltage. Select a TVS diode with a guaranteed ESD tolerance level higher than the system’s ESD immunity requirement.
What is TVS diode breakdown voltage?
The breakdown voltage (VBR) is the voltage where a TVS diode begins to conduct current, defined typically at 1 mA leakage. VBR defines the inflection point on the diode curve where the leakage beings to increase exponentially, which is typically referred as the diode ‘turning on’.
How does a TVS diode fail?
TVS devices will fail in one of three modes. These are shorts, opens, and degraded devices. In most applications, the preferred method of failure is a short. A short is defined when the TVS device has a resistance value of less than 1 Ω at a DC voltage of 0.1 V (ref.
How does TV diode work?
TVS diodes are constructed with large cross sectional area junctions for absorbing high transient currents. As a result, the transient current is diverted away from the protected components and shunted through the TVS diode. The voltage across the pro- tected circuit is limited to the clamping voltage of the TVS diode.
What is a Schottky diode used for?
Schottky diodes are used for their low turn-on voltage, fast recovery time and low-loss energy at higher frequencies. These characteristics make Schottky diodes capable of rectifying a current by facilitating a quick transition from conducting to blocking state.
How does a bidirectional TVS diode work?
BidiRecTionAl TVS deViceS During a transient’s positive cycle, the TVS diode D1 is reversed biased while the other diode D2 is forward biased. D1 acts in avalanche mode (similar to a unidirectional diode) as the transient current (I1) flows to ground.
What is the difference between Zener and TVS diode?
2-6(b), a Zener diode clamps input voltage to a constant voltage and supplies clamped voltage to other semiconductor devices. Thus, a TVS diode absorbs surge voltage to protect other semiconductor devices, whereas a Zener diode provides constant voltage to other semiconductor devices.
Is a TVS a zener diode?