An ESD protection tube (also known as an ESD protection diode) is an electronic component used to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage. Its main function is to absorb and dissipate electrostatic discharge and protect electronic devices from high voltage and high current.
ESD protection tube working principle
ESD tubes work on the principle that when the voltage in the circuit exceeds its on-voltage, the diode will conduct and ground discharge, thereby releasing the excessive voltage into the ground wire. This fast response mechanism enables ESD protection tubes to effectively prevent damage to semiconductor devices caused by electrostatic discharge.
Selection guide
When choosing an ESD protection tube, you need to consider the following key parameters:
Cut-off voltage: The cut-off voltage of the ESD protection tube should be greater than the highest operating voltage in the circuit to ensure that it will not mislead under normal signals.
Peak pulse current (IPP) : Choosing the appropriate IPP value is determined by the maximum surge current that can occur on the line.
Maximum clamping voltage (VC) : VC should be less than the maximum peak voltage that the protected chip can withstand.
Response time: The response time of ESD protective tubes is fast, which is essential to prevent damage caused by electrostatic discharge.
Application scenario
ESD protection tube is widely used in various types of communication interface electrostatic protection, such as USB, HDMI, RS485, RS232 and so on. They protect electronic devices from high voltages and currents by absorbing and dissipating electrostatic discharges.
Difference with TVS tube
Although TVS tubes and ESD protection tubes are similar in working principle, they differ in terms of power and packaging. TVS tubes typically have higher power and larger package sizes, while ESD protection tubes require lower capacitance values to better protect against electrostatic discharge.
ESD protection tube is a simple, low-cost and efficient electrostatic discharge protection element, which is widely used in various electronic equipment electrostatic protection. Electronic devices can be effectively protected from electrostatic discharge by selecting their cutoff voltage, pulse peak current and maximum clamp voltage reasonably.
