TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V150LU20CPX10

V150LU20CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

AMCV-1206H-090-T

AMCV-1206H-090-T

Abracon

VARISTOR 14V 300A 1206

0

V30MLA0603NT

V30MLA0603NT

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 41.5V 30A 0603

0

VC080509A200RP

VC080509A200RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.7V 40A 0805

37504000

ERZ-V07D431

ERZ-V07D431

Panasonic

VARISTOR 430V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

ERZ-E10A102

ERZ-E10A102

Panasonic

VARISTOR 1KV 4.5KA DISC 12.50MM

1562

SMOV25S751MP

SMOV25S751MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.2KV 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

B72214S0271K531

B72214S0271K531

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 430V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

1876

V420LA20APX2855

V420LA20APX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

VE1812K801R020

VE1812K801R020

KEMET

VARISTOR 33V 800A 1812

0

B72225M0151M301

B72225M0151M301

TDK EPCOS

25MM, 150V, 20KA, THERMO FUSE TY

0

TMOV25SP230E

TMOV25SP230E

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 20KA SQUARE 28MM

0

ZV50K2220T801N

ZV50K2220T801N

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 82V 800A 2220

1999

ERZ-VF2M470

ERZ-VF2M470

Panasonic

VARISTOR 47V 125A 2SMD JLEAD

1605

V250LA20CPX2855

V250LA20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

ERZ-E10B561CS

ERZ-E10B561CS

Panasonic

VARISTOR 560V 4.5KA DISC 11.5MM

0

V10E250P

V10E250P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

4642

B72220P3171K101

B72220P3171K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 270V 12KA DISC 20MM

1251

CGA0603MLA-16121E

CGA0603MLA-16121E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 25V 30A 0603

0

V150LT10CP

V150LT10CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 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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