TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VDRH14V275BSE

VDRH14V275BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 430V 6KA DISC 16MM

520

VDRUS14X275BSE

VDRUS14X275BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 14D 8000A 275V STLDS BULK

1989

VDRS05C275BSE

VDRS05C275BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 430V 400A DISC 7MM

2209

VDRS10D020TSE

VDRS10D020TSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 33V 500A DISC 12MM

0

VDRS20W140BSE

VDRS20W140BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 220V 6.5KA DISC 22.50MM

0

VDRS05C230BSE

VDRS05C230BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 360V 400A DISC 7MM

0

VDRS14T060BSE

VDRS14T060BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 100V 4.5KA DISC 16MM

0

VDRS14T075BSE

VDRS14T075BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 120V 4.5KA DISC 16MM

0

VDRS20W550BSE

VDRS20W550BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 910V 6.5KA DISC 23MM

0

VDRUS10T300BSE

VDRUS10T300BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 10D 4500A 300V STLDS BULK

945

VDRS20W150BSE

VDRS20W150BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 240V 6.5KA DISC 22.50MM

0

VDRS20W275BSE

VDRS20W275BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 430V 6.5KA DISC 22.50MM

0

VDRUS10T250BSE

VDRUS10T250BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 10D 4500A 250V STLDS BULK

2185

VDRH20X300BKE

VDRH20X300BKE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 470V 10KA DISC 22.50MM

470

VDRS14T300BSE

VDRS14T300BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 470V 4.5KA DISC 16MM

714

VDRUS10T510BKE

VDRUS10T510BKE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 10D 4500A 510V KNLDS

0

VDRS20W625BSE

VDRS20W625BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 1KV 6.5KA DISC 23MM

0

VDRUS10T320BSE

VDRUS10T320BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VDR US 10D 4500A 320V STLDS BULK

1905

VDRS10P060BSE

VDRS10P060BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 100V 2.5KA DISC 12MM

0

VDRS07H275BSE

VDRS07H275BSE

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

VARISTOR 430V 1.2KA DISC 9MM

3176

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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