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TVS2200: How many GND via holes is sufficient for the surge energy IEC 61000-4-5 (8/20 µs): 40 A

Part Number: TVS2200

Tool/software:

Hi expert, 

Customer would like to know if the TVS2200 GND side has layout limitation and cannot connect to the PGND plane of the surface side which means TVS2200 GND is an independent small plane. If so, then how many GND via holes is recommended for the surge energy IEC 61000-4-5 (8/20 µs): 40 A? 

Best regards, 

Randy

  • Hi Randy, 

    There should be no layout limitations with connected TVS2200 GND to PGND. Here's a document we have on layout guidelines: link.

    Best,

    McKenzie

  • Hi McKenzie, 

    TVS2200 is for surge protection. Not sure the ESD test criteria is applicable for TVS2200 surge test IEC 61000-4-5 (8/20 µs, 40 A)? If the TVS2200 GND plane is limited then how many via holes(from TVS2200 GND surface plane to the inner side PGND of the PCB) are sufficient to handle the surge energy IEC 61000-4-5 (8/20 µs, 40 A) energy? 

    Best regards,

    Randy 

  • Hi Randy, 

    Yes, the ESD test criteria is still applicable for surge. Surge events are longer in duration and have more power than an ESD event but have the same layout guidelines. 

    For vias, I think the general rule of thumb is 1A per via, but good to have extra just in case. 

    Best,

    McKenzie

  • Hi McKenzie, 

    So for handling the surge energy IEC 61000-4-5 (8/20 µs, 40 A), the TVS2200 GND plane needs 40 via holes(1A/via hole), correct? 

    Best regards,

    Randy

  • Hi Randy, 

    If you are not able to connect the TVS GND to the PGND due to limitations as you have mentioned, then yes vias would be needed. These are transient values so there might be some wiggle room and we don't have an exact number to recommend but following 1A/via hole is a good rule of thumb. 

    Best,

    McKenzie