Differences between TVS diode and Zener diodes, in diagrams and in practice?

Question

I have been looking at circuit protection using TVS and Zener diodes.

I have seen the following symbols used to represent TVS diodes in circuit diagrams:

^{simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab}

I guess the first question is whether there is a meaningful difference between TVS and Zener diodes, and the answer seems to be, "Their characteristics are similar, but their design and test specs, and intended applications, are different: Zeners are for specific and potentially continuous voltage regulation. TVS diodes are less precise about voltage and designed rather to shunt (and survive) large power transients."

My impression so far is that of the symbols above:

1. Should be assumed to refer to a Zener diode (unless notes indicate otherwise).
2. Unambiguously indicates a TVS diode.
3. Unambiguously indicates a TVS diode.
4. Probably refers to a pair of Zener diodes, but could refer to a single TVS diode.

Are these reasonable assumptions?

I imagine that the only time one would consistently run into trouble is when using a TVS diode instead of a pair of Zener diodes. E.g., using a TVS diode, with its imprecise breakdown voltage, when the circuit calls for a "waveform clipper" would produce terrible results. On the other hand, using a Zener when a TVS was intended one would likely either never notice the difference if large power transients aren't part of routine operation, or else one would probably notice the difference quite quickly as the Zener was fried?

Or is the correct answer to this ambiguity simply, "Yes, they're ambiguous. And until you're sure which diode to use you're not ready to build the circuit."

Answer 1

The reason the same symbol is sometimes used for TVS diodes (Transorbs) and Zeners, is a Transorb has a lot in common with a Zener. An ideal Zener and an Ideal TVS-diode would be indistinguishable in their characteristics. This leads to ... laziness in library management (or ignorance) and the same symbol is used.

Regulator Zeners and TVS-Zener diodes differ in aspects of their construction to facilitate either higher continuous rating or high pulse capability.

Zener TVS devices are constructed with large area silicon p-n junctions designed to operate in avalanche and handle much higher currents than their cousins, Zener voltage regulator diodes

Only uni-directional TVS diodes are created at wafer level. The bidirectional TVS diodes you can buy are just two such dies packaged in series.

Examples of symbols for some TVS devices:

From your images

1. Zener diode unless the part number calls up a TVS
2. TVS
3. TVS
4. Back-to-back Zeners unless the part number calls up two unidirectional TVS

http://www.onsemi.com/pub_link/Collateral/HBD854-D.PDF

Using a TVS diode instead of, or in addition to a MOV for AC line protection?

Answer 2

From a practical point of view (and not so much looking at the symbols), the biggest difference is the pulse handling capability. The underlying effect is the same for all - they are designed for a fairly precise avalanche breakdown (strictly speaking, the Zener effect is for low-ish breakdown voltages, the avalanche breakdown is for higher voltage ratings). However, as you say already, TVS diodes can handle energy pulses far better than Zeners designed for voltage stabilization.

Concerning the symbols: There are also unipolar TVS (surge suppression) diodes, and the symbol is the same as for (voltage stabilization) Zeners. Sometimes, only the application (in the context of the surrounding schematic) or a Mfg./Part number will tell you the whole story...

Answer 3

I found a little problem with symbols in question and in answers and in a lot of online documentazion.

This symbol, (1) the first in the OP, is universally recognized as zener diode but in the IEC60617 S00646 is stated that this is a zener diode: (2)

I know, the first makes sense because the "zig-zag" line resembles the characteristic of the zener diode but isn't correct, although it is used by many ECAD.

Thus the TVS, or bidirectional avalanche diode, should be drawn as stated by IEC60617:2024 S00647:
(3)

I see these symbols in IEC60617:1996, I don't know if the new version, IEC60617:2024 DB contains alternate symbols.

Some notes:

1. Somewhere we see zener diode with the "zigzag" line, like this: (4).
   In this case the zig zag is like a reversed VI diode characteristic.
   I think this is more used, but no evidence and no way to know from where it came (someone can help whit this?).

2. Often Symbol (1) is used indifferently for unidirectional TVS and Zener.

3. Even in semiconductor companies, symbols are used inconsistently. For example:,

   • TI use these following symbols in different documents, as:

     • https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/esd2canfd24-q1.pdf
     • https://www.ti.com/lit/an/slvae37/slvae37.pdf
       
       Or symbol (1) and (4) in:
     • https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tsd05.pdf
     • https://www.ti.com/lit/wp/slyy127/slyy127.pdf

   • Vishay represent the IEC symbol (2) in https://www.vishay.com/en/diodes/ but in datasheet you can found they use symbols (3), symbol (4) and (b) , and another version with a kind of "hysteresis" and various orientation here.

   • We can see same conduct in Onsemi, Littelfuse and so on.

4. IMHO the back-to-back version, like the 4th symbol in the OP, is often used to enphasize the behavior, the working principle. But apart from the purpose of explaining how it works, the symbol represents two components and I think (please note the IMHO!) it should not be used a bidirectional TVS.

I think there's a lot to investigate further, I hope someone have a better knowledge than me.

P.S. I know, there's a lot of ugly symbols in the IEC standard (for example compare the horrible IEC BJT symbol with the beautiful one in some old GE or Philips manuals), and then you might object "why do I have to follow the standard?", but the diode symbol is beautiful, harmonious, so "why not?". :-)