TVS Diodes (ESD Protection Devices)

TVS diodes (ESD protection devices) are used to prevent electronic equipment from breakdown or malfunctioning due to ESD. By using TVS diodes, ESD is released through the TVS diodes before it enters the IC or electrical circuit and damages them. For example, if ESD enters the inside of the device through the USB connector, the device can be protected by the TVS diode.
Murata offers 0.4 mm x 0.2 mm (size 0402), 0.6 mm x 0.3 mm (size 0603), and 1.0 mm x 0.6 mm (size 1006) sizes to protect a wide range of applications from power lines to high-speed transmission lines.

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What are TVS Diodes (ESD Protection Devices)?

TVS diodes (ESD protection devices) are used to prevent electronic equipment from breakdown or malfunctioning due to ESD. The TVS diodes are arranged between signals or power supply lines and GND (ground), and shunts ESD to the GND by having the TVS operate upon ESD intrusion.

Functions required for TVS Diodes

Not ESD issue
Insulated from GND with IC drive voltage.
ESD issue
Conducts with GND and releases high voltage to GND.

Video TVS Diodes: Protection of Electronic Components from ESD

Watch this video to learn more about why TVS diodes are necessary, how they are used, and the features of Murata’s TVS diodes.

Unidirectional / Bidirectional TVS

There are 2 types of directional configurations in TVS. One is the unidirectional type and the other is the bidirectional type. Use the unidirectional type when the signal is positive and the bidirectional type when both positive and negative signals are applied.

Unidirectional
current starts to flow the breakdown voltage on one side.
Bidirectional
current starts to flow at the same voltage.