TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VDRS07H175BSE

VDRS07H175BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 275V 1.2KA DISC 9MM

0

VDRUS07M140BSE

VDRUS07M140BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 07D 1800A 140V STLDS

0

VDRUS14X460BSE

VDRUS14X460BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 14D 8000A 460V STLDS BULK

995

VDRUS14X250BKE

VDRUS14X250BKE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 14D 8000A 250V KNLDS

0

VDRS10P050BSE

VDRS10P050BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 82V 2.5KA DISC 12MM

1225

VDRS20W510BSE

VDRS20W510BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 820V 6.5KA DISC 23MM

0

VDRS05C175BSE

VDRS05C175BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 275V 400A DISC 7MM

0

VDRUS07M175BSE

VDRUS07M175BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 07D 1800A 175V STLDS

0

VDRUS07M275BSE

VDRUS07M275BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 07D 1800A 275V STLDS BULK

1909

VDRUS10T550BSE

VDRUS10T550BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 10D 4500A 550V STLDS BULK

1454

VDRS14T350TSE

VDRS14T350TSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 560V 4.5KA DISC 16.5MM

0

VDRUS07M150BKE

VDRUS07M150BKE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 07D 1800A 150V KNLDS

0

VDRUS07M320BSE

VDRUS07M320BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 07D 1800A 320V STLDS

0

VDRUS14X385BKE

VDRUS14X385BKE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 14D 8000A 385V KNLDS

0

VDRH20X275BSE

VDRH20X275BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 430V 10KA DISC 22.50MM

4

VDRS05A014TSE

VDRS05A014TSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 22V 100A DISC 7MM

0

VDRUS10T250BKE

VDRUS10T250BKE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 10D 4500A 250V KNLDS

0

VDRUS10T385BSE

VDRUS10T385BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 10D 4500A 385V STLDS

0

VDRS07H075BSE

VDRS07H075BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 120V 1.2KA DISC 9MM

0

VDRS14T140BSE

VDRS14T140BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 220V 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
RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top