TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V680LA100CP

V680LA100CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.06KV 10KA DISC 20MM

200

MOV-14D781KTR

MOV-14D781KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 780V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

1805

MOV-20D431K

MOV-20D431K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 430V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V575LS40AP

V575LS40AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V18AUMLA2220A

V18AUMLA2220A

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 27.5V 2220

0

CG0402MLA-14LG

CG0402MLA-14LG

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 18V 20A 0402

35600

V07E440PL2A

V07E440PL2A

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 715V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

MOV-14D301K

MOV-14D301K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 300V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

B72250L0131K100

B72250L0131K100

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 205V 75KA DISC 57MM

0

MOVS2825V017

MOVS2825V017

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 17V

0

V300LA10CP

V300LA10CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

B72540V1140S262

B72540V1140S262

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 22V 1.2KA 2220

50

V420LT20CPX2855

V420LT20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

CVQ550K14BL1

CVQ550K14BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CVQ 550VRMS 14MM BULK L1

0

B72210S0621K351

B72210S0621K351

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 1KV 2.5KA DISC 10MM

2972

B72650M1170K093

B72650M1170K093

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 27V 100A 3225

0

V480LA80B

V480LA80B

RADIAL LEAD VARISTOR

0

V220ZS05P

V220ZS05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 400A DISC 5MM

0

V202BB60

V202BB60

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 3.3KV 70KA ENCASED DISC

4

MOV-07D270K

MOV-07D270K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 27V 250A DISC 7MM

681

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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