TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
2859466

2859466

Phoenix Contact

VARISTOR MODULE

2

V3AF418A400Y3GDP

V3AF418A400Y3GDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 20A 0612

0

V180ZT05P

V180ZT05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 180V 400A DISC 10MM

0

V140LT20CPX2855

V140LT20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

ZV35K1206121NIR1

ZV35K1206121NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

11980

B72220P3151K101

B72220P3151K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 240V 12KA DISC 20MM

1130

VDRS10P320BSE

VDRS10P320BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 510V 2.5KA DISC 12MM

2093

AV20K1812801NIR1HT

AV20K1812801NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

1000

V575LC40AP

V575LC40AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

B72520G0250K062

B72520G0250K062

TDK EPCOS

CT1206K25G_G

0

V510LA80CPX10

V510LA80CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

B72210S0271K531

B72210S0271K531

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 430V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

5474

V175LT20CP

V175LT20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 10KA DISC 20MM

2990

V20E130P

V20E130P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V10E385P

V10E385P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V275LS40CPX680

V275LS40CPX680

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 421V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

CVQ150K14BL1

CVQ150K14BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CVQ 150VRMS 14MM BULK L1

0

B72220Q0231K101

B72220Q0231K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 360V 15KA RADIAL

681

VGAH121031R650DP

VGAH121031R650DP

Elco (AVX)

HIGH TEMPERATURE +150C AUTOMOTIV

6914

VCAS080518C400DP

VCAS080518C400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 120A 0805

489

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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