TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
B72207S0950K211

B72207S0950K211

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 150V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

B72280B0112K001

B72280B0112K001

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 1.8KV 100KA ENCASE DISC

58

EZJ-P0V120JM

EZJ-P0V120JM

Panasonic

VARISTOR 12V 10A 0402

10000

V275LS4P

V275LS4P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

MOV-07D470K

MOV-07D470K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 47V 250A DISC 7MM

0

V1000LA80AP

V1000LA80AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.65KV 4.5KA DISC 14MM

128

V470ZA05PX1347

V470ZA05PX1347

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 400A DISC 5MM

0

MVR07D180K-S

MVR07D180K-S

Meritek

VARISTOR 18V 500A DISC 7MM HIGH

0

MOV-07D390KTR

MOV-07D390KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 39V 250A DISC 7MM

99

MVR07D330K-S

MVR07D330K-S

Meritek

VARISTOR 33V 500A DISC 7MM HIGH

0

B72220S2231K101

B72220S2231K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 360V 10KA DISC 20MM

1116

DV95K4032R2

DV95K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 95V 4032 PKG SMD VARIS

0

SMOV25S131NP

SMOV25S131NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

USB0002DP

USB0002DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 70V 4A 0405

1936

VC15MA0340KBA

VC15MA0340KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 47V 1.2KA 2220

2272

VDRS14T230BSE

VDRS14T230BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 360V 4.5KA DISC 16MM

0

B72660M0250K072

B72660M0250K072

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 39V 250A 2SMD JLEAD

4545

8S17SM301

8S17SM301

Maida Development Company

MOV SURFACE MOUNT CHIP 3220 300V

9925

V20H300P

V20H300P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

MVR05D471K-S

MVR05D471K-S

Meritek

VARISTOR 470V 800A DISC 5MM HIGH

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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