The following is a comparison of the differences between varistors, suppressors, and TVS diodes according to each item.
Varistors are often used in power supply ports and data lines.While high capacitance products are superior for their high discharge characteristic, it is challenging to use them at a low capacitance of 0.5pF or less, and the inability to use them in high output RF ports is a disadvantage.
Suppressors are used in Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, and other high output RF ports and data lines.With an extremely low capacitance of 0.1pF or less, suppressors are suited to high-speed signal lines.
At the same time, they also have the disadvantage of not discharging at a low voltage.
TVS diodes are used for ESD protection in data lines such as power supply ports and USB, low output power RF ports such as NFC, and RF ports for receive-only GPS, etc.
They cannot be used in high output RF ports like suppressors, but they provide the significant benefit of a fast response time when ESD intrudes due to their high discharge characteristic.