ample-chip ample-chip
RFQ
BOM

TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V20E300PL4B7

V20E300PL4B7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 10KA DISC 20MM

0
V250LS40CPX10

V250LS40CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 10KA DISC 20MM

0
V18MLA0805NH

V18MLA0805NH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 25V 120A 0805

0
V130LA20C

V130LA20C

HIGH ENERGY, HIGH MULTIPLE PULSE

1438
PV300K4032T

PV300K4032T

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 470V 1.2KA 2SMD JLEAD

17000
V22ZS1PX2855

V22ZS1PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 250A DISC 7MM

0
ZV17K1210T401N

ZV17K1210T401N

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 27V 400A 1210

0
VDRUS10T420BSE

VDRUS10T420BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 10D 4500A 420V STLDS BULK

1989
TMOV20RP385EL2T7

TMOV20RP385EL2T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 10KA DISC 20MM

1197
V14H20P

V14H20P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 33V 3KA DISC 14MM

0
B72220S0600K551

B72220S0600K551

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 100V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0
V48MLA1210NH

V48MLA1210NH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 60.5V 250A 1210

1123
B72250L0461K100

B72250L0461K100

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 750V 75KA DISC 57MM

0
820551311

820551311

Würth Elektronik Midcom

DISK VARISTOR STANDARD 5MM; 130V

0
VC080538C770DP

VC080538C770DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 47V 80A 0805

950
B72210S0131K131

B72210S0131K131

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 205V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

2000
V68ZS2P

V68ZS2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 250A DISC 7MM

0
VC1210K401R014

VC1210K401R014

KEMET

VARISTOR 22V 400A 1210

0
V510LA40CP

V510LA40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0
MVR20D511K-S

MVR20D511K-S

Meritek

VARISTOR 510V 10000A DISC 20MM H

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
RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top