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Detailed explanation of the principle parameters of TVS transient voltage suppression diode

Source:Yint Time:2019-08-20 Views:3047
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 Transient voltage suppression diode (TVS), also known as clamp diode, is a widely used high-performance circuit protection device internationally. Its appearance is the same as ordinary diodes, but it can absorb surge power of up to several kilowatts.
 
The main characteristic of transient voltage suppression diodes is that under reverse application conditions, when subjected to a high-energy large pulse, their working impedance immediately drops to an extremely low conduction value, allowing large currents to pass through while clamping the voltage at a predetermined level. Their response time is only 10-12 milliseconds, effectively protecting precision components in electronic circuits.
 
The forward surge current allowed by the transient voltage suppression diode can reach 50-200A under the conditions of TA=250C and T=10ms. Bidirectional TVS can absorb instantaneous high pulse power in both directions and clamp the voltage to a predetermined level. Bidirectional TVS is suitable for AC circuits, while unidirectional TVS is generally used for DC circuits. It can be used for lightning protection, overvoltage protection, anti-interference, and surge power absorption, making it an ideal protective device. Tolerance is expressed in watts (W).
 
Main electrical parameters of transient voltage suppression diode
 
(1) Breakdown voltage V (BR)
 
The voltage measured at both ends of the device in the area where breakdown occurs, under the specified test current I (BR), is called the breakdown voltage. In this area, the diode becomes a low impedance path.
 
(2) Maximum reverse pulse peak current IPP
 
The maximum pulse peak current allowed to pass through the device under specified pulse conditions during reverse operation. The product of IPP and maximum clamp voltage VC (MAX) is the maximum value of transient pulse power.
 
TVS should be selected correctly during use, so that the rated transient pulse power PPR is greater than the maximum transient surge power that may occur in the protected device or line.
 
Classification of transient voltage suppression diodes
 
Transient voltage suppression diodes can be divided into unipolar and bipolar types according to polarity, and can be classified into general-purpose devices suitable for various circuits and specialized devices suitable for special circuits according to their applications. Such as various AC voltage protectors, 4-20mA current protectors, data line protectors, coaxial cable protectors, telephone protectors, etc. If classified by packaging and internal structure, it can be divided into axial lead diodes, dual in-line TVS arrays (suitable for multi wire protection), patch type, component type, and high-power module type.
 
Application of transient voltage suppression diode
 
Currently widely used in computer systems, communication equipment, AC/DC power supplies, automobiles, electronic ballasts, household appliances, instruments and meters (electricity meters) RS232/422/423/485、 I/O、LAN、ISDN 、ADSL、USB、MP3、PDAS、GPS、CDMA、GSM、 The protection of digital cameras, common mode/differential mode protection, RF coupling/IC drive receiving protection, motor electromagnetic wave interference suppression, audio/video input, sensor/transmission, industrial control circuits, relays, contactor noise suppression, and other fields.
 
Characteristics of transient voltage suppression diode

 

(1) Adding TVS diodes to the signal and power lines can prevent the failure of microprocessors or microcontrollers caused by momentary pulses such as electrostatic discharge effects, AC power surges, and noise from switching power supplies.
 
(2) The electrostatic discharge effect can release pulses exceeding 10000V and 60A, and can last for 10ms; while general TTL devices will be damaged when exposed to 10V pulses exceeding 30ms. By using TVS diodes, it is possible to effectively absorb pulses that can cause device damage and eliminate interference caused by switches between buses (Crosstalk).
 
(3) Placing the TVS diode between the signal line and ground can prevent unnecessary noise from affecting the data and control bus.
 
Selection techniques for transient voltage suppression diodes
 
(1) Determine the maximum DC or continuous operating voltage of the protected circuit, the rated standard voltage of the circuit, and the "high end" tolerance.
 
(2) The rated reverse turn off VWM of TVS should be greater than or equal to the maximum operating voltage of the protected circuit. If the VWM selected is too low, the device may enter avalanche or affect the normal operation of the circuit due to excessive reverse leakage current. Serial connection divides voltage, parallel connection divides current.
 
(3) The maximum clamping voltage VC of TVS should be less than the damage voltage of the protected circuit.
 
(4) Within the specified pulse duration, the maximum peak pulse power consumption PM of TVS must be greater than the peak pulse power that may occur in the protected circuit. After determining the maximum clamping voltage, its peak pulse current should be greater than the transient surge current.
 
(5) For the protection of data interface circuits, attention must also be paid to selecting TVS devices with appropriate capacitance C.
 
(6) Select the polarity and packaging structure of TVS according to its intended use.

It is more reasonable to use bipolar TVS for communication circuits; Choosing TVS array for multi line protection is more advantageous.

 

 

(7) Temperature considerations.

 

The transient voltage suppressor can operate between -55 ℃ and+150 ℃. If TVS needs to operate at a changing temperature, its reverse leakage current ID increases with the increase; The power consumption decreases with the increase of TVS junction temperature, approximately linearly decreasing by 50% from+25 ℃ to+175 ℃. The breakdown voltage VBR increases by a certain coefficient with the increase of temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to consult relevant product information and consider the impact of temperature changes on its characteristics.

 

 

The best way to deal with the damage caused by instantaneous pulses to components is to divert the instantaneous current away from the sensing element. The TVS diode is connected in parallel with the protected circuit on the circuit board. When the instantaneous voltage exceeds the normal operating voltage of the circuit, the TVS diode generates an avalanche, providing an ultra-low resistance path for the instantaneous current. As a result, the instantaneous current is diverted through the diode, avoiding the protected component and maintaining the cut-off voltage of the protected circuit until the voltage returns to normal. After the instantaneous pulse ends, the TVS diode automatically returns to a high resistance state, and the entire circuit enters normal voltage. Many components may experience degradation in their parameters and performance after multiple impacts, but as long as they operate within a limited range, diodes will not be damaged or degraded.

 

 

From the above process, it can be seen that when selecting TVS diodes, attention must be paid to the selection of the following parameters:

 

1. Minimum breakdown voltage VBR and breakdown current IR.

 

VBR is the minimum breakdown voltage of TVS, and below this voltage, TVS will not experience avalanche at 25 ℃. When a specified 1mA current (IR) flows through the TVS, the voltage applied to the two poles of the TVS is its minimum breakdown voltage V BR. According to the degree of dispersion between the VBR of TVS and the standard value, VBR can be divided into two types: 5% and 10%. For a 5% VBR, V WM =0.85VBR; For a 10% VBR, V WM =0.81VBR。 In order to meet the IEC61000-4-2 international standard, TVS diodes must be able to handle a minimum of 8kV (contact) and 15kV (air) ESD shock. Some semiconductor manufacturers have adopted higher shock resistance standards in their products. For certain portable device applications with special requirements, designers can select components as needed.

 

 

2. Maximum reverse leakage current ID and rated reverse cut-off voltage VWM.  

 

VWM is the voltage that a diode can withstand under normal conditions. This voltage should be greater than or equal to the normal operating voltage of the protected circuit, otherwise the diode will continuously cut off the circuit voltage; But it also needs to be as close as possible to the normal operating voltage of the protected circuit, so as not to expose the entire circuit to overvoltage threats before TVS operation. When the rated reverse cut-off voltage VWM is applied between the two poles of TVS, it is in a reverse cut-off state, and the current flowing through it should be less than or equal to its maximum reverse leakage current ID.

 

 

3. Maximum clamping voltage VC and maximum peak pulse current IPP.

 

When a pulse peak current IPP with a duration of 20ms flows through the TVS, the maximum peak voltage appearing at both ends is VC. VC and IPP reflect the surge suppression ability of the TVS. The ratio of VC to VBR is called the clamping factor, which is generally between 1.2 and 1.4. VC is the voltage provided by the diode in the off state, which is the voltage passing through the TVS during ESD surge state. It cannot exceed the maximum voltage that the protected circuit can withstand, otherwise the component is at risk of damage.

 

4. The rated pulse power of Pppm is based on the maximum cut-off voltage and the peak pulse current at this time.

 

For handheld devices, a 500W TVS is generally sufficient. The maximum peak pulse power consumption PM is the maximum peak pulse power consumption value that TVS can withstand. At a specific maximum clamping voltage, the greater the power consumption PM, the greater its ability to withstand surge currents. At a specific power consumption PM, the lower the clamping voltage VC, the greater its ability to withstand surge currents. In addition, peak pulse power consumption is also related to pulse waveform, duration, and ambient temperature. Moreover, the transient pulses that TVS can withstand are non repetitive, and the pulse repetition frequency (duration to interval time ratio) specified by the component is 0.01%. If there are repeated pulses in the circuit, the accumulation of pulse power should be considered, which may damage the TVS.

 

 

5. The capacitance C is determined by the TVS avalanche junction cross-section and is measured at a specific frequency of 1MHz. The size of C is directly proportional to the current carrying capacity of TVS. If C is too large, it will cause signal attenuation. Therefore, C is an important parameter for selecting TVS in data interface circuits. For circuits with higher data/signal frequencies, capacitors in diodes cause greater interference to the circuit, resulting in noise or signal attenuation. Therefore, the capacitor range of the selected component needs to be determined based on the characteristics of the circuit. High frequency circuits generally choose capacitors that are as small as possible (such as LCTVS, low capacitance TVS, capacitors not exceeding 3pF), while circuit capacitors with low requirements for capacitors can be selected with a capacitance higher than 40pF.

 

Transient voltage suppression diode characteristic curve:

 

Instructions:
VBR: The point where the breakdown voltage @ IT - TVS instantly becomes low impedance
VRMM: Maintain Voltage - At this stage, TVS is in a non-conductive state
VC: Clamping voltage @ Ipp - Clamping voltage is approximately equal to 1.3 * VBR
VF: forward conduction voltage @ IF - forward voltage drop
IR: Reverse leakage current @ VRMM
IT: Test current for breakdown voltage
IPP: Surge Peak Current
IF: Forward conduction current
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