TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
DV60K4032R2

DV60K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 60V 4032 PKG SMD VARIS

2000

MLVC12V012C850

MLVC12V012C850

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 18V 150A 1206

0

V82RA8

V82RA8

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 82V 1.2KA RADIAL BOX

0

EZJ-P0V080DA

EZJ-P0V080DA

Panasonic

VARISTOR 8V 27PF 0402

68650

VDRUS10T140BSE

VDRUS10T140BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 10D 4500A 140V STLDS

0

B72650M0350K072

B72650M0350K072

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 56V 100A 2SMD JLEAD

5395

V680LS100CP

V680LS100CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.06KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V151HB34

V151HB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

VA1210K401R020

VA1210K401R020

KEMET

VARISTOR 33V 400A 1210

0

AV17K1210401NIR1HT

AV17K1210401NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

2494

V661BA60

V661BA60

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.05KV 70KA ENCASE DISC

26

V150LU2P

V150LU2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

VDRS07H140BSE

VDRS07H140BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 220V 1.2KA DISC 9MM

0

TMOV20RP750ML1B7

TMOV20RP750ML1B7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.2KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

VDRUS14X550BSE

VDRUS14X550BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 14D 8000A 550V STLDS BULK

922

B72210S0301K331

B72210S0301K331

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 470V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V10H20P

V10H20P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 33V 1.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V56ZS05P

V56ZS05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 56V 100A DISC 5MM

0

B72542V0300K062

B72542V0300K062

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 47V 1.2KA 2220

672

B72580V0300K062

B72580V0300K062

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 47V 800A 1812

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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