TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MVR05D241K

MVR05D241K

Meritek

VARISTOR 240V 400A 5MM DISC THRU

0

ERZ-C32EK471Y

ERZ-C32EK471Y

Panasonic

VARISTOR 470V 25KA MODULE

18

VAR-18107157M3P-XK

VAR-18107157M3P-XK

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 15.7V RING SURFACE ELEC

0

ERZ-E10A911

ERZ-E10A911

Panasonic

VARISTOR 910V 4.5KA DISC 12.50MM

553

B72250L0421K102

B72250L0421K102

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 680V 75KA DISC 57MM

0

TMOV34S111MP

TMOV34S111MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 180V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

VE1206K121R050

VE1206K121R050

KEMET

VARISTOR 82V 120A 1206

0

TMOV34S571MPX2696

TMOV34S571MPX2696

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V82MT3B

V82MT3B

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 82V 40A SOD83A AXIAL

0

V07P140P

V07P140P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

VC060326A580RP

VC060326A580RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 30A 0603

0

B72225T4251K101

B72225T4251K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 390V 20KA RADIAL BOX

0

AV14K1206201NIR1HT

AV14K1206201NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

2490

VC080505C150TP

VC080505C150TP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 120A 0805

10045

V56ZS20P

V56ZS20P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 56V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

V385LU40CPX10

V385LU40CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V130LC20CPX2855

V130LC20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

B72214Q0171K101

B72214Q0171K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 270V 8KA RADIAL

2999

MOV-10D181KTR

MOV-10D181KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 180V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V33MT1A

V33MT1A

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 33V 40A SOD83A AXIAL

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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