TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V320SM7

V320SM7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 513.5V 1.2KA 2SMD

0

V82ZA20PX10

V82ZA20PX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 82V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

TMOV20RP460EL2T7

TMOV20RP460EL2T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 10KA DISC 20MM

85340800

AMCV-1206H-140-T

AMCV-1206H-140-T

Abracon

VARISTOR 19V 300A 1206

0

V27ZS60PX10

V27ZS60PX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 27V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

ZV17K0805121NIR1HT

ZV17K0805121NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 17V 10% 0805 NI SN

3450

V14P11P

V14P11P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18V 4KA DISC 14MM

0

V390RA22

V390RA22

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 6.5KA RADIAL BOX

0

B72210S0301K101

B72210S0301K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 470V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

11269

VC080526A580RP

VC080526A580RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 30A 0805

0

V250LU20A

V250LU20A

RADIAL LEAD VARISTOR

500

V39ZA1P

V39ZA1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 39V 250A DISC 7MM

3225

V150LS2P

V150LS2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

9225

VA100005D150DL

VA100005D150DL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 150A AXIAL

3791

VC121048H101RP

VC121048H101RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 62V 250A 1210

0

V56ZA3P

V56ZA3P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 56V 500A DISC 10MM

4098

V26MLA0603NT

V26MLA0603NT

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 34.5V 30A 0603

0

V130LS20AP

V130LS20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V130LS10CPX2855

V130LS10CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V26MLA1210NA

V26MLA1210NA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 34V 300A 1210

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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