• State Resolved
  • Locked Locked
  • Replies 2 replies
  • Answers 1 answer
  • Subscribers 32 subscribers
  • Views 175 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Support feedback
Options
Options
Similar topics

This thread has been locked.

If you have a related question, please click the "Ask a related question" button in the top right corner. The newly created question will be automatically linked to this question.

TVS0500: Using the clamp as a voltage difference (zener)

Harry McNally
Intellectual 395 points
Part Number: TVS0500

Hello

We have a requirement to insert a voltage drop in a circuit that must withstand 1.5A (maximum and non-repetitive) for a few 10s of milliseconds. The data (SLVSED2C, Figure 2) shows the TVS0500 will clamp to 8 to 8.8V in this current range. So can the device replace a zener or am I overlooking something ?

Although the circuit is unlikely to reverse bias the device, I am interested to understand if the DC Forward Current limit of 500mA is the FET body diode and the damage if that is exceeded. Does the device become short or open circuit with that event ?

Harry

  • 0
    TI__Expert 8471 points

    Hello Harry,

    There is a possibility that the TVS0500 could withstand a 1.5 A pulse for a few 10s of milliseconds, but it is not guaranteed since this is not what this device was designed/tested to do. The longest pulse this device is tested for is a 10/1000 us pulse for which it can withstand 20 A. 

    The max DC forward current is through the FET body diode, and it will be damaged if that is exceeded. The failure mode for these devices are mainly short, but in some rare cases they can also fail open if the voltage is high enough. 

    Regards,

    Matt Smith 

  • 0 in reply to Matt Smith3
    Intellectual 395 points

    Thank you Matt, very clear.

    I need to get more information on the expected duration and then work with the Spice model to appreciate how much dissipation the device will handle.

    If I have any questions, I will come back and re-open this case if that is the right approach.

    All the best
    Harry