TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
RV271K14T

RV271K14T

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 270V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

ZV25K1812T801N

ZV25K1812T801N

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 39V 800A 1812

2975

RV681K10T

RV681K10T

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 680V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

ZV40K1812T601N

ZV40K1812T601N

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 68V 600A 1812

5

RV221K07T

RV221K07T

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 220V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

RV431K07T

RV431K07T

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 430V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

ZV25K1210T401N

ZV25K1210T401N

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 39V 400A 1210

30945000

ZV30K1206T201N

ZV30K1206T201N

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 47V 200A 1206

0

RV471K10T

RV471K10T

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 470V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

PV150K4032T

PV150K4032T

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 240V 1.2KA 2SMD JLEAD

0

RV271K07T

RV271K07T

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 270V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

ZV60K1812T401N

ZV60K1812T401N

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 100V 400A 1812

0

RV391K10T

RV391K10T

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 390V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

ZV95K2220T501N

ZV95K2220T501N

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 150V 500A 2220

0

ZV35K1206T121N

ZV35K1206T121N

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 56V 120A 1206

0

ZV30K1812T801N

ZV30K1812T801N

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 47V 800A 1812

0

ZV17K1206T201N

ZV17K1206T201N

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 27V 200A 1206

75000

RV241K14T

RV241K14T

Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

VARISTOR 240V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

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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