This application note describes the differences in the characteristics of Transil® diodes and Varistor used for transient protection.
This document compares two technologies for transient protection in electronic modules: Transil diodes and ceramic varistors. It discusses the sensitivity of electronic functions to transients such as ESD, EOS, and lightning, and defines the parameters needed for a correct protection stage definition. The text analyzes the electrical characteristics of both devices, including their clamping behavior in normal operating and surge suppression zones.
The document compares silicon devices named Transil diodes and ceramic components known as Varistors.
Varistors operate uniquely in bi-directional mode, whereas Transil diodes can be used in both uni-directional and bi-directional modes.
Transil diodes show no ageing phenomena regarding ESD events, while Varistors are subjected to it.