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TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MAV0010DP

MAV0010DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 120V 2A 0603

52000
VC121085S151DP

VC121085S151DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 100V 250A 1210

6696
VDRUS20Z320BSE

VDRUS20Z320BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 20D 130AA 320V STLDS BULK

481
V68ZS3P

V68ZS3P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 500A DISC 10MM

0
V275LT40BP

V275LT40BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 421V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

1999
V131DHB34

V131DHB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0
MVR14D390K-S

MVR14D390K-S

Meritek

VARISTOR 39V 2000A DISC 14MM HIG

0
B72225S4131K101

B72225S4131K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 205V 20KA DISC 27.5MM

1958
V39ZT1PX2855

V39ZT1PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 39V 250A DISC 7MM

0
B72500T0250K060

B72500T0250K060

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 39V 30A 0603

64785
VLAS060316A350RP

VLAS060316A350RP

Elco (AVX)

LOW CLAMP AUTOMOTIVE SERIES VAR

0
V130LT20C

V130LT20C

HIGH ENERGY, HIGH MULTIPLE PULSE

4000
MOV-07D821KTR

MOV-07D821KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 820V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

142
V320LT20AP

V320LT20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

3185
VJ14MA0160KBA

VJ14MA0160KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 800A 1812

20512500
ERZ-E05A361

ERZ-E05A361

Panasonic

VARISTOR 360V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

7797
ERZ-V20R511

ERZ-V20R511

Panasonic

VARISTOR 510V 10KA DISC 20MM

491
AV14K1206201NIR1

AV14K1206201NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

1495
TMOV25SP625M

TMOV25SP625M

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 20KA SQUARE 28MM

0
V385LC20CPX2855

V385LC20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

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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