TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MVR05D181K-S

MVR05D181K-S

Meritek

VARISTOR 180V 800A DISC 5MM HIGH

0

B72232B0321K001

B72232B0321K001

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 510V 25KA ENCASED DISC

1519

V68ZS20PX10

V68ZS20PX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

B72280B0251K001

B72280B0251K001

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 390V 100KA ENCASED DISC

8

MOVS2825V275

MOVS2825V275

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 275V

0

470KD07

470KD07

Yageo

MOV

0

B72210S0251K211

B72210S0251K211

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 390V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

3450

ERZ-VF2M270

ERZ-VF2M270

Panasonic

VARISTOR 27V 125A 2SMD JLEAD

1803

V07E300PL1T

V07E300PL1T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

AMCV-0402-5R5-C800N-T

AMCV-0402-5R5-C800N-T

Abracon

VARISTOR 12V 10A 0402

0

B72220T2351K101

B72220T2351K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 560V 10KA RADIAL BOX

0

VE1206K121R040

VE1206K121R040

KEMET

VARISTOR 68V 120A 1206

0

B72660M1140K072

B72660M1140K072

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 22V 250A 2SMD JLEAD

3000

MVR20D681K

MVR20D681K

Meritek

VARISTOR 680V 6500A 20MM DISC TH

0

V10P11P

V10P11P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18V 2KA DISC 10MM

0

V531DHB34

V531DHB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 40KA SQUARE 34MM TABS

0

V14P30P

V14P30P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 4KA DISC 14MM

0

ERZ-V05D220

ERZ-V05D220

Panasonic

VARISTOR 22V 250A DISC 5MM

1882

VDRUS20Z300BSE

VDRUS20Z300BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 20D 130AA 300V STLDS BULK

277

MOVS2825V180

MOVS2825V180

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 180V

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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