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TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V175LT10CP

V175LT10CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0
AMCV-0402-090-C500N-T

AMCV-0402-090-C500N-T

Abracon

VARISTOR 13.5V 10A 0402

0
V07E320PL2T

V07E320PL2T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0
V230LC40CP

V230LC40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 10KA DISC 20MM

0
VC1206K121R035

VC1206K121R035

KEMET

VARISTOR 56V 120A 1206

0
820573011

820573011

Würth Elektronik Midcom

DISK VARISTOR STANDARD 7MM; 300V

1000
ERZ-E08A621CS

ERZ-E08A621CS

Panasonic

VARISTOR 620V 3.5KA DISC 11.5MM

0
B72210S0681K101

B72210S0681K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 1.1KV 2.5KA DISC 10MM

1775
ERZ-V20D361

ERZ-V20D361

Panasonic

VARISTOR 360V 10KA DISC 21.5MM

111700
V480LS40AP

V480LS40AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0
B72225T4381K101

B72225T4381K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 620V 20KA RADIAL BOX

0
B72280B0441K001

B72280B0441K001

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 715V 100KA ENCASED DISC

0
B72220S3301K101

B72220S3301K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 470V 12KA DISC 20MM

1108
B72207S0250K211

B72207S0250K211

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 39V 250A DISC 7MM

44006
ERZ-E10A271CS

ERZ-E10A271CS

Panasonic

VARISTOR 270V 4.5KA DISC 11.5MM

0
820441311E

820441311E

Würth Elektronik Midcom

DISK VARISTOR HIGHSURGE 14MM; 13

729
B72500T0070M060

B72500T0070M060

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 12.5V 30A 0603

7270
MLVC08V018C360

MLVC08V018C360

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 25V 100A 0805

4000
MOV-20D220K

MOV-20D220K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 22V 2KA DISC 20MM

8685
B72214S2461K101

B72214S2461K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 750V 5KA DISC 14MM

2850

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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