This assures minimal standby leakage current and compensates for voltage excursions caused by temperature variations. The TVS clamps instantly when transients occur, limiting the spike voltage to a safe level while diverting damaging currents away from the protected part. These functions are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Surge current and surge power are proportional to junction area. Long duration or repetitive surges require adequate heat sinking.
Packaging covers a broad spectrum to fit most needs.
Axial lead components are available in ratings of 400W, 500W, 600W, 1.5kW, 5kW, and 15kW. Surface mount devices are available in ratings of 300W, 400W, 500W, 600W, 1.5kW, and 3kW. The lower power devices are normally used for ESD while the higher power devices are used across power buses. Suppressor arrays and MELF packages in addition to chips and cells are available for high density packaging. Metallization options for wire bonding or solder attachment are available for chips. Low capacitance TVSs are available to prevent attenuation in high data rate or high frequency circuits. TVSs are available for operating voltages ranging from 5V through 376V. they are used in a remarkable number of applications from aircraft instrumentation and telephone systems to implantable medical devices.