What are ESD suppressors and TVS diodes?

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) suppressors and transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diodes are electrical semiconductor devices designed to prevent and suppress overvoltage, ESD, EFT, inductive load switching, and lightning strikes in sensitive electronic components and systems. They are installed in such a way that they remain near the protected line while being parallel to the signal line. 

Importance of ESD Suppressors and TVS Diodes

High transient voltage spikes, overvoltage and other effects of arcing like electrical fast transients (EFTs) and electrostatic discharge (EST) can seriously damage electronic semiconductors, systems, and other sensitive components. This not only risks the operational capabilities and performance of the components and systems but also risks the electrical safety. The ESD suppressors and TVS diodes are designed particularly to respond immediately to such events and are capable of clamping transient voltages quickly, thereby keeping both the components and systems and the working environment safe. 

Applications

ESD suppressors and TVS diodes are used extensively in applications that require special protection against potential overvoltage events. The most typical applications of these devices thus include:

• Microprocessors 
• AC power lines 
• MOS memory 
• Consumer electronics 
• Household appliances 
• Telecommunication devices