TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOV-14D270KTR

MOV-14D270KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 27V 1KA DISC 14MM

0

VCAS120626D580DP

VCAS120626D580DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 120A 1206

0

VDRS10P510BSE

VDRS10P510BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 820V 2.5KA DISC 12.50MM

0

B72500T0060M060

B72500T0060M060

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 11V 30A 0603

16880

V420LA10P

V420LA10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

B72220S0301K551

B72220S0301K551

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 470V 8KA DISC 20MM

750

V07E50P

V07E50P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 82V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

AMCV-1210H-220-T

AMCV-1210H-220-T

Abracon

VARISTOR 30V 400A 1210

0

MOVS4032V210

MOVS4032V210

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 210V

0

VDRH20X320BSE

VDRH20X320BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 510V 10KA DISC 22.50MM

0

ERZ-E14A331

ERZ-E14A331

Panasonic

VARISTOR 330V 10KA DISC 16.5MM

97

MVR07D101K

MVR07D101K

Meritek

VARISTOR 100V 1200A 7MM DISC THR

0

V480LT40AP

V480LT40AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

B72207S0381K311

B72207S0381K311

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 620V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

5945

V20H50P

V20H50P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 82V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V480LC80BP

V480LC80BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 732.5V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

B72207S0321K101

B72207S0321K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 510V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

11880

B72210S2621K101

B72210S2621K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 1KV 3.5KA DISC 10MM

1500

V140LA20CPX2855

V140LA20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V130LA20AP

V130LA20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

423

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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