TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
B72225S4231K101

B72225S4231K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 360V 20KA DISC 27.5MM

0

B72520G1250K062

B72520G1250K062

TDK EPCOS

CT1206K25AUTOG_G

0

B72214S1140K531

B72214S1140K531

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 22V 1KA DISC 14MM

0

VDRUS10T275BKE

VDRUS10T275BKE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 10D 4500A 275V KNLDS

0

V120ZA1P

V120ZA1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 120V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

689

MVR20D470K-S

MVR20D470K-S

Meritek

VARISTOR 47V 3000A DISC 20MM HIG

0

TMOV14RP320EL3T7

TMOV14RP320EL3T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

VCUG080050L1DP

VCUG080050L1DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 10.8V 40A 0805

0

V270MT2A

V270MT2A

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 100A SOD83A AXIAL

0

ERZ-E10A221

ERZ-E10A221

Panasonic

VARISTOR 220V 4.5KA DISC 11.5MM

1720

V18MLN41206LWH

V18MLN41206LWH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 30V 30A 1206

0

ERZ-C32EK511Y

ERZ-C32EK511Y

Panasonic

VARISTOR 510V 25KA MODULE

10

V130LU10AP

V130LU10AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V275LA20AP

V275LA20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V130LT20CPX325

V130LT20CPX325

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

MVR07D121K

MVR07D121K

Meritek

VARISTOR 120V 1200A 7MM DISC THR

0

V140LS2P

V140LS2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

V20E17P

V20E17P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 27V 8KA DISC 20MM

475

V14E140P

V14E140P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

ERZ-V10D180

ERZ-V10D180

Panasonic

VARISTOR 18V 1KA DISC 10MM

51494

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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