The first parameter discussed is the Peak Pulse Current rating. The peak pulse current rating is measured during a very short energy pulse that simulates an inductively coupled lightning pulse.  The AK series of high power TVS diodes use a different standard pulse shape than the conventional TVS product line. Smaller TVS diodes are rated using what is called a 10 by 1000 micro second double exponential wave form. This is a very common pulse used in the telecommunications industry, the AK series is rated using the much shorter 8 by 20 microsecond wave form. Shown here is the data sheet excerpt from the AK10 series which has a 10 thousand amp peak pulse current rating. The AK6 series is very similar except that the peak pulse current is 6 thousand amps. The AK1 and AK3 are even smaller devices as well as the larger AK15 series. This module will now take a look at the actual current pulse in more detail.