TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MLVC40V026C3500

MLVC40V026C3500

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 33V 250A 4032

0

VDRS10P075BSE

VDRS10P075BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 120V 2.5KA DISC 12MM

0

B72220S0301K101

B72220S0301K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 470V 8KA DISC 20MM

14171

MOV-20D301K

MOV-20D301K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 300V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V140LS20CP

V140LS20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

SMOV25S321MP

SMOV25S321MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

MVR07D271K-S

MVR07D271K-S

Meritek

VARISTOR 270V 1750A DISC 7MM HIG

0

ERZ-U15JP541

ERZ-U15JP541

Panasonic

SINGLETRANSIENT/SURGE ABSORBERS1

1

MVR20D270K

MVR20D270K

Meritek

VARISTOR 27V 2KA 20MM DISC THRU

1000

MVR07D361K-S

MVR07D361K-S

Meritek

VARISTOR 360V 1750A DISC 7MM HIG

0

VDRUS07M460BSE

VDRUS07M460BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 07D 1800A 460V STLDS BULK

1807

V420LT40CPX10

V420LT40CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V511DHB34

V511DHB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V130LT20AP

V130LT20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

150010000

MOV-14D331KTR

MOV-14D331KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 330V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

VRS0402SR55R100N

VRS0402SR55R100N

Yageo

VARISTOR 12V 10A 0402

8

V250LC20CPX2855

V250LC20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V275LT10P

V275LT10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

TMOV14RP320ML3T7

TMOV14RP320ML3T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

THERM PROTECT VARISTOR 14MM

0

V25S440P

V25S440P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 715V 22KA RADIAL

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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