TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
ERZ-E14A431S1

ERZ-E14A431S1

Panasonic

VARISTOR DISC 14MM 430V

0

DV150K4032R2

DV150K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 150V 4032 PKG SMD VARI

2000

VC14MT0950KBA

VC14MT0950KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 150V 250A 1812

0

V150LT20BP

V150LT20BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 229.5V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

VCAS080505A150DP

VCAS080505A150DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 40A 0805

70

V18ZT2P

V18ZT2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18V 500A DISC 10MM

0

V82MA3A

V82MA3A

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 82V 40A SOD83A AXIAL

0

V130LA10APX1347

V130LA10APX1347

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V10E175P

V10E175P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V250LU40CPX2855

V250LU40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V56ZS20PX10

V56ZS20PX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 56V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

VC080518C400RP

VC080518C400RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 100A 0805

8375

TMOV34S321EP

TMOV34S321EP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

VDRUS10T230BSE

VDRUS10T230BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 10D 4500A 230V STLDS

0

V250LA40CPX620

V250LA40CPX620

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 383.5V 10KA DISC 20MM

3392

ERZ-E07A561

ERZ-E07A561

Panasonic

VARISTOR 560V 2.5KA DISC 9MM

779

MVR20D122K

MVR20D122K

Meritek

VARISTOR 1200V 6500A 20MM DISC T

0

VC060330A650RP

VC060330A650RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 30A 0603

6990

PV275K4032T

PV275K4032T

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 430V 1.2KA 2SMD JLEAD

9

V510LS80BP

V510LS80BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 799V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

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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