Transient voltage is overvoltage in an electrical system, and can damage or destroy circuits. These voltage spikes can be caused by lightning strikes, electrostatic discharge (ESD), power outages, and short circuits. A transient voltage suppressor, or TVS, can be used to protect sensitive electronics. A TVS limits the voltage to a level that is safe for the circuit.
Littelfuse is an industry leader in circuit protection, and offers a broad range of overcurrent and overvoltage solutions. Littelfuse TVS solutions are found in many products, including cars, computers, consumer electronics, handheld devices, industrial machinery, telecom, and more. Today's miniaturized components are especially sensitive to transient voltage. To learn more about TVS products and applications, click here: Circuit Protection: Applications.
Metal oxide varistors (MOVs) are the primary voltage clamping component in many Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor, or TVSS products. A metal oxide varistor is an excellent transient voltage suppressor because transient energy is absorbed throughout the body and is dissipated evenly as heat, thus protecting the device. To search for metal oxide varistors for TVSS applications, follow this link: Littelfuse Product Search.
Another TVS component is the gas discharge tube (GDT). When a transient voltage surge occurs, the gas inside the GDT ionizes and impedance drops. The transient voltage is then diverted from the device. Gas discharge tubes return to their high impedance state when the transient voltage passes. Search Gas Discharge Tubes.
Another TVS component is the silicon avalanche diode (SAD). When a transient voltage surge occurs that exceeds the devices standoff voltage the diode avalanches (conducts) and clamps the voltage to a low level. The transient voltage is then diverted from the device. When the transient has passed the SAD returns to it’s high impedance or stand off state.
A SIDACtor device is a PNPN device that can be thought of as a TVS diode with a gate. Upon exceeding its peak off-state voltage (VDRM), a SIDACtor device will clamp a transient voltage to within the device’s switching voltage (VS) rating. Then, once the current flowing through the SIDACtor device exceeds its switching current, the device will crowbar and simulate a short-circuit condition. When the current flowing through the SIDACtor device is less than the device’s holding current (IH), the SIDACtor device will reset and return to its high off-state impedance.
In addition to MOVs, GDTs and SADs, Littelfuse also offers other TVS solutions, including thyristor breakover technology, and voltage variable polymer technology. Learn more about our products and find the right solution for your project with Littelfuse.
Additional Information:
ESD Protection
Varistors
Metal Oxide Varistors
Thyristors
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