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TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V30MLA0603NR

V30MLA0603NR

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 41.5V 30A 0603

0
ERZ-E10A431CS

ERZ-E10A431CS

Panasonic

VARISTOR 430V 4.5KA DISC 11.5MM

0
B72220P3621K101

B72220P3621K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 1KV 10KA DISC 20MM

2748
V14E420PL2T7

V14E420PL2T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 6KA DISC 14MM

0
TMOV34S621EP

TMOV34S621EP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0
V3.5MLA0805LH

V3.5MLA0805LH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 5.35V 40A 0805

2
B72220S0170K551

B72220S0170K551

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 27V 2KA DISC 20MM

0
DV50K4032R2

DV50K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 50V 4032 PKG SMD VARIS

0
V275LA2P

V275LA2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 450V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

3962
V480LU80CPX10

V480LU80CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 10KA DISC 20MM

0
VE1812K801R025

VE1812K801R025

KEMET

VARISTOR 39V 800A 1812

860
820541406

820541406

Würth Elektronik Midcom

DISK VARISTOR STANDARD 14MM; 14V

0
V175LA20AP

V175LA20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

1868
B72580T0060M062

B72580T0060M062

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 11V 500A 1812

0
82541250

82541250

Würth Elektronik Midcom

VARISTOR 39V 200A 1206

1788
VDRS14T550BSE

VDRS14T550BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 910V 4.5KA DISC 16.5MM

0
V131BA60

V131BA60

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 50KA ENCASED DISC

0
V460LA7PX2855

V460LA7PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 715V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0
B72210S0300K551

B72210S0300K551

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 47V 500A DISC 10MM

184
MOV-20D680K

MOV-20D680K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 68V 2KA DISC 20MM

2045

TVS - Varistors, MOVs

1. Overview

Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS), Varistors, and Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) are critical components for protecting electronic circuits from voltage spikes and electrostatic discharge (ESD). These devices clamp excessive voltage to safe levels, preventing damage to sensitive components. TVS diodes are semiconductor-based solutions with fast response times, while Varistors (including MOVs) use nonlinear resistive materials to absorb energy. Their importance spans industries like telecommunications, automotive, and consumer electronics, ensuring reliability in environments exposed to electrical surges.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional CharacteristicsApplication Examples
TVS DiodesUnidirectional/bidirectional clamping, sub-nanosecond response time, low leakage currentCommunication interfaces (USB, HDMI), microcontrollers, power supplies
Zinc Oxide VaristorsHigh energy absorption, voltage-dependent resistance, aging characteristicsPower line protection, industrial motor drives, surge protection strips
MOVsSpecialized varistors with metal oxide ceramics, optimized for AC/DC applicationsAppliances, LED lighting, renewable energy systems

3. Structure and Composition

TVS diodes employ a PN junction semiconductor structure with doping profiles optimized for breakdown characteristics. Varistors consist of polycrystalline ceramic materials (typically zinc oxide grains with additives) sandwiched between metal electrodes, encapsulated in epoxy or molded housings. MOVs use similar materials to varistors but with enhanced grain boundary engineering for improved voltage clamping. All devices incorporate termination coatings (e.g., silver, tin) for PCB mounting compatibility.

4. Key Technical Parameters

ParameterDescriptionImportance
Clamping Voltage (VCLAMP)Voltage level during surge conductionDetermines protection level for downstream components
Response TimeTime to transition from blocking to clamping modeTVS: 0.5-10 ns; MOVs: 10-50 ns
Energy Absorption (WADM)Maximum surge energy handling capabilityMeasured in joules (J), critical for industrial applications
Leakage CurrentOff-state current at rated voltageImpacts power efficiency, typically <100 A

5. Application Fields

Key industries include:

  • Consumer Electronics: Smartphone charging circuits, TV power supplies
  • Industrial Automation: PLCs, motor drives, sensor interfaces
  • Automotive: ECU protection, CAN bus interfaces, battery management systems
  • Renewable Energy: Solar inverters, wind turbine controllers

Case Study: MOVs in smart meters provide 10kA surge protection against grid transients.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerRepresentative ProductKey Specifications
LittelfuseSM712-0212A, 13.3V clamping, bidirectional TVS for RS-485
BournsV14450A14mm MOV, 450VAC, 210J energy rating
STMicroelectronicsTV05C0600.5W, 6V, ultra-small TVS for IoT devices

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

  • Operating voltage vs. clamping voltage margin
  • Surge current requirements (8/20 s waveform standard)
  • Package size constraints (SMD vs. through-hole)
  • Environmental conditions (temperature, humidity)
  • Lifespan expectations (MOVs degrade with repeated surges)

8. Industry Trends

Emerging trends include:

  • Miniaturization: Sub-0201 TVS devices for mobile applications
  • Higher energy density: MOVs with >1000J/cm absorption
  • Integration: Combined ESD and surge protection solutions
  • Automotive focus: AEC-Q qualified devices for 48V systems
  • Green manufacturing: Lead-free and RoHS-compliant materials
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