Electrical Engineering Dictionary
"A" "B" "C", "D", "E", "F", "G", "H", "I", "J", "K", "L", "M",
"N", "O", "P", "Q", "R", "S", "T", "U", "V", "W", "X", "Y", "Z"

TVS Diode Array. A group of TVS diodes contained with in a single semiconductor package [possible Package Styles].

Transient Voltage Suppressor: 'TVS', is designed to absorb a transient over-voltage. The device may be designed as Uni-Polar device protecting in one direction or a Bi-Polar device protecting the circuit in both directions. TVS manufacturers are listed on the Transient Voltage Suppressor page [Nonlinear Resistor Manufacturers]. TVS devices are used in parallel with the load.

The diodes within the package may be isolated from one another or interconnected in any number of configurations. For example; a package may contain a number of diodes with all the cathodes [common cathode], or anodes [common anode] connected together.

Bidirectional TVS Array, 16-pin DIP package.
A Bidirectional TVS offers line protection from either positive or negative voltage surges, but there may be causes when the circuit does not require this level of protection.

16-pin DIP TVS Array Schematic
Bidirectional TVS Array

Uni-directional TVS Array, 16-pin DIP package.
Single direction protection is shown below.

Uni-directional TVS Array
Unidirectional TVS Array




Note that it is common design practice to dump any excess current to ground as shown in the graphics above; but it is not a requirement. An engineer is free to shunt the over voltage into any part of the circuit they desire, it just makes for a better design when the current or voltage goes to ground.

IC Dual In-Line-Package Graphic [DIP]

Diode Array DIP Package

Note the alphabetic links above point to a dictionary of engineering terms.

 
PC motherboard
Home

Distributor rolodex Electronic Components Electronic Equipment EDA CDROM Software Engineering Standards, BOB card Cabled Computer Bus Electronic Engineering Design Table Conversion DB9-to-DB25.
DistributorsComponents Equipment Software Standards Buses Design Reference