TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VDRH14V175ALE

VDRH14V175ALE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 275V 6KA DISC 16MM

0

VDRS07H250AHE

VDRS07H250AHE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 390V 1.2KA DISC 9MM

0

VDRS05C230TSE

VDRS05C230TSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 360V 400A DISC 7MM

0

VDRS07H150BKE

VDRS07H150BKE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 240V 1.2KA DISC 9MM

0

VDRS10D025AME

VDRS10D025AME

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 39V 500A DISC 12MM

0

VDRH20X680BSE

VDRH20X680BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 1.1KV 10KA DISC 23MM

0

VDRS07H420TSE

VDRS07H420TSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 680V 1.2KA DISC 9MM

0

VDRS07H275TME

VDRS07H275TME

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 430V 1.2KA DISC 9MM

0

VDRS05C060BKE

VDRS05C060BKE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 100V 400A DISC 7MM

0

VDRS20M017BSE

VDRS20M017BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 27V 2KA DISC 22.50MM

0

VDRS20W420BKE

VDRS20W420BKE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 680V 6.5KA DISC 23MM

0

VDRS05A020BSE

VDRS05A020BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 33V 100A DISC 7MM

0

VDRS10P420AME

VDRS10P420AME

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 680V 2.5KA DISC 12.50MM

0

VDRS14T320TSE

VDRS14T320TSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 510V 4.5KA DISC 16MM

0

VDRH07K320BSE

VDRH07K320BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 510V 1.75KA DISC 9MM

0

VDRS07H150TSE

VDRS07H150TSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 240V 1.2KA DISC 9MM

0

MLV1206E31403T

MLV1206E31403T

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 200A 1206

4820

VDRS14G017BSE

VDRS14G017BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 27V 1KA DISC 16MM

0

VDRS07H150TME

VDRS07H150TME

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 240V 1.2KA DISC 9MM

0

VDRS14T150TSE

VDRS14T150TSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 240V 4.5KA DISC 16MM

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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