ample-chip ample-chip
RFQ
BOM

TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V18ZS40P

V18ZS40P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18V 2KA DISC 20MM

0
B72225S4381K101

B72225S4381K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 620V 20KA DISC 27.5MM

0
V420LS20CP

V420LS20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0
AV30K2220122NIR1

AV30K2220122NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

2360
V18MLN41206WT

V18MLN41206WT

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 25V 30A 1206

119965
CG0402MLE-18G

CG0402MLE-18G

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

10571
V275LT40CP

V275LT40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 10KA DISC 20MM

0
CG0603MLU-3.3E

CG0603MLU-3.3E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

18751
V20H17P

V20H17P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 27V 5KA DISC 20MM

0
VDRS14T175BSE

VDRS14T175BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 275V 4.5KA DISC 16MM

0
ERZ-VS34C511

ERZ-VS34C511

Panasonic

VARISTOR 510V 40KA SQUARE 36MM

0
V275LC40CPX680

V275LC40CPX680

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 421V 10KA DISC 20MM

0
V20H140P

V20H140P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 10KA DISC 20MM

0
V480SM7

V480SM7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 747.5V 1.2KA 2SMD

0
SV150K20BL1

SV150K20BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 150VRMS 20MM BULK L1

0
B72220S0231K551

B72220S0231K551

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 360V 8KA DISC 20MM

0
TMOV20RP130EL2T7

TMOV20RP130EL2T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 10KA DISC 20MM

0
B72220S0421K101

B72220S0421K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 680V 8KA DISC 20MM

0
V230LA20AP

V230LA20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

4256
B72530E1250K062

B72530E1250K062

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 39V 300A 1210

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