TVS Transient Voltage Suppressor

[bob.steel]

This device given a part number of say '1.5KE350' I have not used before .
I understand it to be just a zener diode in fact but it won't conduct until it reaches 1.5K volts ,is that right? Its noted as 350 amps so I'm confused . Does it only conduct if the voltage goes over 1.5K v or does it only conduct if the current goes over 350 amps?

 

[bertus]

Hello,

Have a look here:
https://www.littelfuse.com/products/tvs-diodes/leaded/1_5ke/1_5ke350.aspx

It seems to be 350 Volts and a peak power of 1500 Watts.

Bertus

 

[Harald Kapp]

This is kind of a zener diode called transient voltage suppressor diode (short TVS). It is not meant to be operated permanently in the zener region but only during short pulses of overvoltage to protect equipment.

 

[bob.steel]

But "Does it only conduct if the voltage goes over 1.5K v or does it only conduct if the current goes over 350 amps?"

 

[Bluejets]

Neither...both are maximum ratings of the diode.

 

[bob.steel]

You know I would just like a straightforward answer . I know how a zener works.
Does the diode conduct ONLY when the voltage spike passes 1.5Kv ?
Does the diode conduct ONLY the equivalent of 1500 watts ? So if the voltage were 1.5Kv the current passed would be 1 amp only any more and it would blow ?
Or can the zenner conduct at some lower voltage and pass more current .

C'mon don't be shy , don't send me off somewhere else to read or watch ,take a stab at a simple explanation yourself . That's why I'm asking here.

Edit - Whoops Bertus ,Thanks, . does that mean its conducting voltage is 350V? and 4.3 amps can pass?

 

[Bluejets]

First thing came up on Google search.....amazing...