What is TVS DIODE?

TVS Diodes are electronic components designed to protect sensitive electronics from high-voltage transients. They can respond to overvoltage events faster than most other types of circuit protection devices, and are offered in a variety of surface mount mounting formats.

They function by limiting voltage to a certain level (referred to as a "clamping" device) with p-n junctions that have a larger cross-sectional area than those of a normal diode, allowing them to conduct large currents to ground without sustaining damage.

TVS Diodes are generally used to protect against electrical overstress such as those induced by lightning strikes, inductive load switching, and electro-static discharge (ESD) associated with transmission on data lines and electronic circuits.