TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
B72214Q0131K101

B72214Q0131K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 205V 8KA RADIAL

0

VC121030G620DP

VC121030G620DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 220A 1210

2113

B72210S0171K551

B72210S0171K551

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 270V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

634

V30MLA0805LNA

V30MLA0805LNA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 41.5V 30A 0805

0

B72530G1250K062

B72530G1250K062

TDK EPCOS

CT1210K25AUTOG_G

0

V130LU2PX2855

V130LU2PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

V14H320P

V14H320P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V250LU20CPX2855

V250LU20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

MOV-07D301KTR

MOV-07D301KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 300V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

441

680KD10

680KD10

Yageo

MOV

0

VCAS06LC18X500TP

VCAS06LC18X500TP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 32.5V 30A 0603

99933

ERZ-V07V221CS

ERZ-V07V221CS

Panasonic

VARISTOR 220V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V575LU80BP

V575LU80BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 889.5V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

MVR10D220K-S

MVR10D220K-S

Meritek

VARISTOR 22V 1000A DISC 10MM HIG

0

V130LT20BPX10

V130LT20BPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

VC06LC18X500DP

VC06LC18X500DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 30A 0603

3000

ZV30K1210301NIR1

ZV30K1210301NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

7950

V5.5MLA0603NA

V5.5MLA0603NA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 8.2V 30A 0603

0

V07E385PL1T5

V07E385PL1T5

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

B72520G1200K062

B72520G1200K062

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR MLV 1206

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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