TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V14P175P

V14P175P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

V420LT40CP

V420LT40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

B72520T0600K062

B72520T0600K062

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 100V 100A 1206

56809

B72232B0681K001

B72232B0681K001

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 1.1KV 25KA ENCASED DISC

142

ERZ-V07D331

ERZ-V07D331

Panasonic

VARISTOR 330V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

37

TMOV20RP385E

TMOV20RP385E

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 10KA DISC 20MM

1885

V130LT10APX2855

V130LT10APX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

ERZ-V05D270

ERZ-V05D270

Panasonic

VARISTOR 27V 250A DISC 5MM

1948

AVR-M2012C220KT6AB

AVR-M2012C220KT6AB

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 22V 100A 0805

3472

V140LC5P

V140LC5P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

B72500E0140K060

B72500E0140K060

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 22V 30A 0603

15975

AMCV-0402-140-C101N-T

AMCV-0402-140-C101N-T

Abracon

VARISTOR 19V 20A 0402

0

MOV-20D330KTR

MOV-20D330KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 33V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

EZJ-PZV6R8GA

EZJ-PZV6R8GA

Panasonic

VARISTOR 6.8V 5A 0201

12699

AV40K1812801NIR1HT

AV40K1812801NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

0

VDRUS07M460BKE

VDRUS07M460BKE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 07D 1800A 460V KNLDS

0

B72220S1250K102

B72220S1250K102

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 39V 2KA DISC 20MM

781

VLAS080516C350DP

VLAS080516C350DP

Elco (AVX)

LOW CLAMP AUTOMOTIVE SERIES VAR

0

V20H175P

V20H175P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

SMOV25S511MP

SMOV25S511MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

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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