Note that these diodes are good protectors for circuits operating typically at low
voltages. They are used for protection of data lines on telecommunication and computer
systems. They are sometimes referred to as transient voltage suppressers (TVSs).
Their large junction is designed specifically for surge protection. TVS diodes are
rated for higher current surges than conventional Zener diodes and can carry currents
for periods of 2–10 ms. They are also known as avalanche breakdown diodes. Among
the prominent advantages of the application of TVS devices in surge suppression is
that they have lower clamping ratios and stronger resistance to surges compared to conventional
diodes. TVS diodes can be either unidirectional or bidirectional