TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
EZJ-Z0V080KA

EZJ-Z0V080KA

Panasonic

VARISTOR 8V 15A 0402

1366

V511HF34

V511HF34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

B72207S0441K311

B72207S0441K311

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 715V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

9610

V660LA80CP

V660LA80CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.08KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

B72210S0110K101

B72210S0110K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 18V 500A DISC 10MM

1521

B72540G0300K062

B72540G0300K062

TDK EPCOS

CT2220K30G_G

0

EZJ-PZV080GA

EZJ-PZV080GA

Panasonic

VARISTOR 8V 5A 0201

8280

VDRUS14X140BSE

VDRUS14X140BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 14D 8000A 140V STLDS

0

VC060330A650DP

VC060330A650DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 30A 0603

2119711000

B72210S0151K551

B72210S0151K551

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 240V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

2924

MVR20D911K-S

MVR20D911K-S

Meritek

VARISTOR 910V 10000A DISC 20MM H

0

V100ZT4P

V100ZT4P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 100V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V33MLA1206NH

V33MLA1206NH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 43.5V 180A 1206

523

VDRUS14X130BKE

VDRUS14X130BKE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 14D 8000A 130V KNLDS

0

VDRS10P175BSE

VDRS10P175BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 275V 2.5KA DISC 12MM

0

MGUG040150L2DP

MGUG040150L2DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 20V 15A 0405

0

V05P30AUTO

V05P30AUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 400A DISC 5MM

0

MOV-10D621K

MOV-10D621K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 620V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

13604

820444211E

820444211E

Würth Elektronik Midcom

DISK VARISTOR HIGHSURGE 14MM; 42

0

B72220T2381K101

B72220T2381K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 620V 10KA RADIAL BOX

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
RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top