TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
ERZ-E14A561

ERZ-E14A561

Panasonic

VARISTOR 560V 10KA DISC 16.5MM

325

V230LC40CPX2855

V230LC40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V480LS80CPX2855

V480LS80CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

RV391K05T

RV391K05T

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 390V 400A DISC 5MM

0

B72220S2171K101

B72220S2171K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 270V 10KA DISC 20MM

10567

B72241L0421K100

B72241L0421K100

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 680V 50KA ENCASED DISC

0

SMOV34S271NP

SMOV34S271NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 40KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

EZJ-Z1V330GA

EZJ-Z1V330GA

Panasonic

VARISTOR 33V 20A 0603

9049

TMOV34S111EP

TMOV34S111EP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 180V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V130LU20CP

V130LU20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

VDRUS20Z625BSE

VDRUS20Z625BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 20D 130AA 625V STLDS

0

ERZ-V20D391

ERZ-V20D391

Panasonic

VARISTOR 390V 10KA DISC 20MM

31014

V420LT10P

V420LT10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

MVR05D270K

MVR05D270K

Meritek

VARISTOR 27V 100A 5MM DISC THRU

0

MOV-20D221K

MOV-20D221K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 220V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V20E25P

V20E25P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 39V 8KA DISC 20MM

1415

V14E550P

V14E550P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 6KA DISC 14MM

174

V575LU80CPX2855

V575LU80CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

ERZ-E10F751

ERZ-E10F751

Panasonic

VARISTOR 750V 4.5KA DISC 12.50MM

0

MVR14D182K

MVR14D182K

Meritek

VARISTOR 1800V 4500A 14MM DISC T

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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