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TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
820545001

820545001

Würth Elektronik Midcom

DISK VARISTOR STANDARD WE-VD 14M

0
V275LU10CPX2855

V275LU10CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0
MOVS4032V360

MOVS4032V360

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 360V

0
V250LA10P

V250LA10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

9243
181KD10

181KD10

Yageo

MOV

0
SMOV34S131NP

SMOV34S131NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 40KA BOX 5 LEAD

0
MVR10D680K

MVR10D680K

Meritek

VARISTOR 68V 500A 10MM DISC THRU

4000
MLVC18V048C900

MLVC18V048C900

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 62V 500A 1812

0
TMOV14RP510M

TMOV14RP510M

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 6KA DISC 14MM

0
V320SM20

V320SM20

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 501V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0
V39ZA6P

V39ZA6P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 39V 1KA DISC 14MM

3341
MOV-20D101KTR

MOV-20D101KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 100V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

2568
VDRS20W230BSE

VDRS20W230BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 360V 6.5KA DISC 22.50MM

0
MLV0402E31403T

MLV0402E31403T

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 25.5V 20A 0402

10909
V385LA40BPX10

V385LA40BPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0
B72214S0350K531

B72214S0350K531

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 56V 1KA DISC 14MM

0
TMOV34S181EP

TMOV34S181EP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 284V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0
TMOV20RP275EL3T7

TMOV20RP275EL3T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 10KA DISC 20MM

0
V250LA4

V250LA4

VARISTOR 68V 1.2KA 128LQFP

9758
ERZ-U21JP112

ERZ-U21JP112

Panasonic

SINGLETRANSIENT/SURGE ABSORBERS1

1

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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