2 Basic operations of TVS diodes (ESD protection diodes)

Figure 2.1 Application example and basic operations of ESD protection diodes
Figure 2.1 Application example and basic operations of ESD protection diodes

ESD protection diodes are inserted between signal lines and GND in order to protect a device under protection (DUP) from voltage surge. In normal operating mode (i.e., in the absence of an ESD surge), little current flows through the ESD protection diodes, except a very small amount of current (IR) that flows through the diodes that sets their reverse breakdown voltage (VBR) to a level higher than a signal line. When a voltage surge higher than the reverse breakdown voltage (VBR) is introduced into a signal line, the ESD protection diodes shunt excessive current to GND, suppressing the surge voltage below the reverse breakdown voltage (VBR).

2 Basic operations of TVS diodes (ESD protection diodes)

2-1 Equivalent circuits and benefits

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