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TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
B72500T7050S160

B72500T7050S160

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 255V 0603

536
VAR-18094077M3P-XK

VAR-18094077M3P-XK

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 7.65V RING SURFACE ELEC

0
V180ZA1P

V180ZA1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 180V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

2014
ERZ-V10D220CS

ERZ-V10D220CS

Panasonic

VARISTOR 22V 1KA DISC 10MM

0
MOV-14D181K

MOV-14D181K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 180V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

3581
V275LS40BP

V275LS40BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 421V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0
V3.5MLA1206H

V3.5MLA1206H

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 5.35V 100A 1206

1525
V421BA60

V421BA60

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 70KA ENCASED DISC

23
V320LU40CPX810

V320LU40CPX810

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 501V 10KA DISC 20MM

0
VE1206M151R006

VE1206M151R006

KEMET

VARISTOR 11V 150A 1206

10
B72650M1170K072

B72650M1170K072

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 27V 100A 2SMD JLEAD

1970
V12ZT1P

V12ZT1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 12.5V 100A DISC 7MM

0
MOVS4032V460

MOVS4032V460

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 460V

0
V47ZT3P

V47ZT3P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 500A DISC 10MM

0
V300LS4P

V300LS4P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

15562
TMOV20RP150E

TMOV20RP150E

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 10KA DISC 20MM

948
V150LS5CPX2855

V150LS5CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0
VE1210K401R017

VE1210K401R017

KEMET

VARISTOR 27V 400A 1210

0
CG0603MLU-05E

CG0603MLU-05E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

13745
MLVC13V026C1000

MLVC13V026C1000

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 36V 280A 1210

3000

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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