TVS Diodes and ESD Protection Arrays
Find transient-voltage-suppression (TVS) diodes for selecting surge and electrostatic-discharge protection components. This collection includes axial P6KE, 1.5KE and 5KP families; surface-mount SMAJ, SMBJ, SMCJ, SMF and higher-pulse-power formats; compact single-line ESD parts and multi-line arrays; and selected assortments. Product menus can span many voltage grades and polarities. Some mixed diode kits also offer ordinary rectifiers, Schottky or Zener selections that are not interchangeable with a TVS device.
Compare the protection families
- Axial surge suppressors: P6KE selections are commonly listed in DO-15, 1.5KE in DO-201AD/DO-27, and 5KP in R-6/P-600 outlines. Menus range from low-voltage to hundreds-of-volts part numbers, with individual 10-, 20- or 100-piece choices and P6KE or 1.5KE multi-value assortments. A family prefix and seller wattage label describe a particular pulse test, not continuous dissipation or guaranteed performance under every waveform.
- SMD surge suppressors: SMAJ in SMA/DO-214AC, SMBJ in SMB/DO-214AA and SMCJ in SMC/DO-214AB provide different case sizes and commonly advertised pulse-power classes. Listings also include SMF in SOD-123FL and 5.0SMDJ options in SMC. Some long SMAJ menus extend from 3.3 to 440 part-number grades, including both A and CA selections. Do not infer identical footprint, clamping or thermal behavior from a shared voltage number.
- ESD and signal-line protection: ESD5Z and PESD single-line devices appear in compact SOD-523 packages; SD05/SD12 in SOD-323, SR12GL in SOT-23-6 and TPD2E001DRSR in 6-SON represent other listed signal-line or array formats. Choose by line count, working voltage, capacitance, leakage, pin mapping and interface speed, not by a generic “TVS” label. An array is not a drop-in replacement for a two-terminal axial part.
- Single-value packs and assorted kits: a menu of P6KE15A, P6KE15CA or SMAJ20A/SMBJ20CA/SMCJ20CA usually selects one grade and quantity, rather than every part in the title. Separate 200-piece/20-value, 210-piece/21-value and 564-piece sample-book listings are assortments; verify their actual breakdown. Broad diode-kit menus may instead select P6KE or SMBJ TVS assortments, Zener kits, silicon rectifiers, fast-recovery parts or Schottky packs.
Selection checklist
- Identify the normal maximum voltage on the protected line and choose the exact device's reverse standoff voltage (VRWM) above it, then check breakdown range (VBR) and maximum clamping voltage (VC) at the specified pulse current. The numeral in a TVS part number is not automatically the clamping voltage.
- Check pulse waveform, peak pulse current and power, surge repetition and temperature derating against the selected manufacturer's datasheet. “400 W”, “600 W”, “1500 W” and “5000 W” headlines cannot be compared without the same specified test waveform and limits.
- Choose polarity deliberately: A and CA suffixes are commonly used for unidirectional and bidirectional versions in these listed families, but confirm the exact part's datasheet. Account for polarity marking, terminal connections, capacitance and package land pattern.
- For a sensitive interface, compare leakage and line capacitance at its operating bias and frequency. Verify the exact package drawing and mounting constraints; SOD-523, SOT-23-6, SMA, SMB, SMC and axial outlines are physically different. Imported “forward voltage”, “reverse current”, certification and authenticity claims can be mismapped or contradictory, so do not use them as validated design limits.
Frequently asked questions
Is SMAJ20A the same part as SMAJ20CA?
No. The suffix can indicate a different suppression direction. Confirm polarity, standoff, breakdown and clamping specifications for the selected manufacturer's full part number.
Are SMAJ, SMBJ and SMCJ interchangeable?
No. Their cases and pulse-performance assumptions differ. Check the actual mechanical drawing and datasheet for the pulse waveform your design must withstand.
Is a Zener assortment automatically a TVS assortment?
No. Mixed product menus in this collection include both. Select a clearly identified TVS variant and inspect its documented transient ratings; a Zener voltage alone does not establish surge capability.
Does a 210-piece P6KE kit supply 210 of each voltage?
No. It is advertised as a total-piece assortment. Confirm which values and quantities the chosen kit contains before purchasing.
