TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V14H510AUTO

V14H510AUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V14E42AUTO

V14E42AUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 3KA DISC 14MM

0

ZV17K0603300NIR1HT

ZV17K0603300NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 17V 10% 0603 NI SN

3500

V321HF34

V321HF34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

B72207S0421K311

B72207S0421K311

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 680V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

1945

B72510G1140S862

B72510G1140S862

TDK EPCOS

AECQ200,VW80808-2, 120A,16V,0805

4860

V1000LA160CPX10

V1000LA160CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.65KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

ERZ-E07A331

ERZ-E07A331

Panasonic

VARISTOR 330V 2.5KA DISC 9MM

895

MOV-20D781K

MOV-20D781K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 780V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

ZV50K1812T401N

ZV50K1812T401N

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 82V 400A 1812

0

VDRS07H230BSE

VDRS07H230BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 360V 1.2KA DISC 9MM

3640

V300LT20CP

V300LT20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

MOV-10D781K

MOV-10D781K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 780V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

2529

V14E40P

V14E40P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 4KA DISC 14MM

86822800

V9MLA0805LNT

V9MLA0805LNT

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 13.5V 40A 0805

0

VDRUS14X385BSE

VDRUS14X385BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 14D 8000A 385V STLDS BULK

799

V625LS80CPX2855

V625LS80CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

B72210S2381K101

B72210S2381K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 620V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

521

VDRH14V300BSE

VDRH14V300BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 470V 6KA DISC 16MM

2209

VC06AG18120YAT1A

VC06AG18120YAT1A

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 0603

715

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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