October 2013

DocID022589 Rev 2

1/15

AN4022

Application note

TVS short pulse dynamic resistance measurement

and correlation with TVS clamping voltage during ESD

Introduction

This application note is addressed to technical engineers and designers to explain how

This parameter can be conveniently and accurately used to calculate the remaining voltage

after a transient voltage suppressor or a filter including protection, especially for devices

dedicated to protect against very fast transient surges such as ESD.

Market environment

Mobile phones, computers and their peripherals are sensitive electronic products. Each of

these products has to be protected against electrostatic discharge using components able

to clamp the high voltages generated in transients defined by each standard level such as

IEC 61000-4-2. Knowing the clamping voltage level of transient voltage suppressors is a key

point in the protection definition during the circuit design to get reliable and robust products.

This application note describes

 The clamping characteristic

 Dynamic resistance and how to measure it

 Predicted results versus measured results

 TLP measurements

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