TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VDRS10P230TSE

VDRS10P230TSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 360V 2.5KA DISC 12MM

0

VDRH10S175ALE

VDRH10S175ALE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 275V 3.5KA DISC 12MM

0

VDRH14V385BSE

VDRH14V385BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 620V 6KA DISC 16.5MM

0

VDRH07K320BKE

VDRH07K320BKE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 510V 1.75KA DISC 9MM

0

VDRS05C300AHE

VDRS05C300AHE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 470V 400A DISC 7MM

0

VDRH10S320TSE

VDRH10S320TSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 510V 3.5KA DISC 12MM

0

VDRH10S680BSE

VDRH10S680BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 1.1KV 3.5KA DISC

0

VDRS07B025TSE

VDRS07B025TSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 39V 250A DISC 9MM

0

VDRH20X550BSE

VDRH20X550BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 910V 10KA DISC 23MM

0

MLV1812E31703T

MLV1812E31703T

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 800A 1812

447

VDRH07K320TSE

VDRH07K320TSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 510V 1.75KA DISC 9MM

0

MLV1210E31403T

MLV1210E31403T

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 400A 1210

27

VDRS05A040AGE

VDRS05A040AGE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 68V 100A DISC 7MM

0

VDRS05C275AME

VDRS05C275AME

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 430V 400A DISC 7MM

0

VDRH05E275TSE

VDRH05E275TSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 430V 800A DISC 7MM

0

MLV1206E32003T

MLV1206E32003T

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 200A 1206

1147

VDRH14M030BSE

VDRH14M030BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 47V 2KA DISC 16MM

0

MLV2220E30403T

MLV2220E30403T

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 8.5V 1.2KA 2220

0

VDRH07D030BKE

VDRH07D030BKE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 47V 500A DISC 9MM

0

VDRH14V050TSE

VDRH14V050TSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 82V 6KA 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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