TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MVR10D560K

MVR10D560K

Meritek

VARISTOR 56V 500A 10MM DISC THRU

0

NTE1V250

NTE1V250

NTE Electronics, Inc.

MOV 250V RMS

1011

VE13P01750K

VE13P01750K

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 270V 3.5KA DISC 13MM

0

MOVS2825V250

MOVS2825V250

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 250V

0

V230SM7

V230SM7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 1.2KA 2SMD JLEAD

81

B72530G1200K062

B72530G1200K062

TDK EPCOS

CT1210K20AUTOG_G

0

B72210S0461K351

B72210S0461K351

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 750V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

5950

ERZ-E05A201

ERZ-E05A201

Panasonic

VARISTOR 200V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

B72580E0350K062

B72580E0350K062

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 56V 500A 1812

3609

B72520T0040M062

B72520T0040M062

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 8V 150A 1206

571

VDRS07B030BSE

VDRS07B030BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 47V 250A DISC 9MM

0

VGAS222016Y400DP

VGAS222016Y400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 1.5KA 2220

988

MLVC12V033C400

MLVC12V033C400

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 45V 120A 1206

0

B72220Q0381K101

B72220Q0381K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 620V 15KA DISC 20MM

636

V150LA10CPX2855

V150LA10CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

B72232B0271K001

B72232B0271K001

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 430V 25KA ENCASED DISC

100

ERZ-VF2M151

ERZ-VF2M151

Panasonic

VARISTOR 150V 600A 2SMD JLEAD

4

V39CH8

V39CH8

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 39V 100A 2SMD NO LEAD

0

V07E130PL2T

V07E130PL2T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

MOVS2825V035

MOVS2825V035

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 35V

0

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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