TVS - Diodes

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
NTE4938 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 33V UNI-DIR	3496
NTE4921 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 15V BI-DIR	132
NTE4828 NTE Electronics, Inc.	D-SURGE CLAMPING 15VR	161
NTE4953 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 56V BI-DIR	261
NTE4965 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 91V BI-DIR	701
NTE4969 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 110V BI-DIR	141
NTE4915 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 12V BI-DIR	206
NTE4903 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 6.45V BI-DIR	3324
NTE4994 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 350V UNI-DIR	313
NTE4907 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 8.2V BI-DIR	63
NTE4999 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 440V BI-DIR	210
NTE4911 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 10V BI-DIR	365
NTE4904 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 7.5V UNI-DIR	304
NTE4923 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 16V BI-DIR	161
NTE4958 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 58.1V UNI-DIR	294
NTE4929 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 19.0V BI-DIR	4038
NTE4937 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 30V BI-DIR	3101
NTE4941 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 36V BI-DIR	115
NTE4934 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 23.1V UNI-DIR	134
NTE4976 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TRANS SUPP 160V UNI-DIR	221

TVS - Diodes

1. Overview

Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) Diodes are semiconductor devices designed to protect sensitive electronics from voltage spikes caused by ESD (electrostatic discharge), lightning, or switching events. By clamping transient voltages to safe levels, TVS diodes ensure circuit reliability in modern electronic systems. Their fast response time (<1ps) and low clamping voltage make them critical components in high-speed data lines, power supplies, and automotive electronics.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Unidirectional TVS	Single-polarity protection, asymmetrical voltage response	DC power lines, automotive systems
Bidirectional TVS	Symmetrical protection for AC signals	Telecom interfaces (e.g., RJ45), USB 3.0	Multichannel TVS	Multiple protection paths in single package	HDMI ports, DisplayPort interfaces	Automotive TVS	AEC-Q101 qualified, high surge capability	ECU modules, CAN bus protection

3. Structure and Composition

TVS diodes utilize a PN junction semiconductor structure with optimized doping profiles. Key components include:

Silicon epitaxial layer for precise voltage control
Passivation layer (SiO2/Nitride) to reduce leakage current
Backside metallization for low-inductance packaging
DO-214, SOD-123, or WCSP packaging variants

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Breakdown Voltage (Vbr)	Minimum voltage where TVS activates	Determines protection threshold
Clamping Voltage (Vc)	Max voltage during transient event	Must be below protected IC's max rating
Peak Pulse Current (Ipp)	Maximum surge current handling	Defines robustness against large transients
Response Time (tresp)	Time to switch from off to on state	Crucial for ESD protection (typically <1ps)
Leakage Current (Ir)	Off-state current at working voltage	Impacts power efficiency

5. Application Areas

Major industries and typical equipment:

Telecommunications: 5G base stations, optical transceivers
Automotive: CAN/LIN bus protection, ADAS sensors
Industrial: PLCs, motor drives
Consumer Electronics: USB Type-C interfaces, Wi-Fi modules
Renewable Energy: Solar inverters, wind turbine controllers

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Product Series	Key Features
Littelfuse	SP301x Series	USB 3.1 Gen2 protection, 0.35pF capacitance
ON Semiconductor	NUP41060	6-channel ESD protection, 30kV HBM
STMicroelectronics	ESDA8401	Automotive-grade, 150A surge rating
Infineon	ESD320	Single-line protection, 0.25pF for HDMI 2.1

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

Operating voltage must be below Vbr (typically 1.1 Voper)
Clamping voltage should stay under protected IC's maximum ratings
Packaging selection based on board space and thermal requirements
Environmental factors: temperature range, humidity resistance
Compliance with standards (IEC 61000-4-2, ISO 10605)

Example: For a 12V automotive circuit, select a bidirectional TVS with Vbr=15V, Vc<30V, and Ipp>50A to handle load dump events.

8. Industry Trends

Key development directions:

Miniaturization: 0201 package (0.6 0.3mm) for mobile devices
Integration: Combo devices with filters and shielding
Higher robustness: 40kV+ ESD protection for industrial IoT
Advanced materials: Silicon carbide (SiC) for high-temperature applications
AI-driven selection tools for optimized component matching