TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V150LC20CPX2855

V150LC20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

VCH4AG100R8MATWA

VCH4AG100R8MATWA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 125V 0402

0

B72214S0111K551

B72214S0111K551

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 180V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

B72650M0251K093

B72650M0251K093

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 390V 400A 2SMD JLEAD

0

ERZ-V05D101

ERZ-V05D101

Panasonic

VARISTOR 100V 800A DISC 5MM

4

V18ZA3P

V18ZA3P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18V 1KA DISC 14MM

2435

B72205S0381K101

B72205S0381K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 620V 400A DISC 5MM

4630

AMCV-1210H-101-T

AMCV-1210H-101-T

Abracon

VARISTOR 120V 300A 1210

0

VCH4AG150R4MATWA

VCH4AG150R4MATWA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 135V 0402

35031

B72520T0140K062

B72520T0140K062

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 22V 200A 1206

6

ZV25K0603300NIR1HT

ZV25K0603300NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 25V 10% 0603 NI SN

3430

AMCV-0402-180-C800N-T

AMCV-0402-180-C800N-T

Abracon

VARISTOR 25V 15A 0402

0

82531400

82531400

Würth Elektronik Midcom

VARISTOR 70V 200A 1206

2042

MVR14D781K-S

MVR14D781K-S

Meritek

VARISTOR 780V 6000A DISC 14MM HI

0

ERZ-VF2M201

ERZ-VF2M201

Panasonic

VARISTOR 200V 600A 2SMD JLEAD

405

B72714D0160H060

B72714D0160H060

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 22V 0508

1301

V150LA2P

V150LA2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

4613

V385LA40CPX10

V385LA40CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V385LS20CPX2855

V385LS20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

VDRUS10T130BSE

VDRUS10T130BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 10D 4500A 130V STLDS BULK

1424

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