TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
AVRH10C221KT1R5YA8

AVRH10C221KT1R5YA8

TDK Corporation

ETHERNET, 220V, 1.5PF, 70VDC, 04

24905

AVRL101A3R3FTA

AVRL101A3R3FTA

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 27V 0402

17343

AVR-M2012C390KT6AB

AVR-M2012C390KT6AB

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 39V 100A 0805

57924

AVR-M1608C120MT6AB

AVR-M1608C120MT6AB

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 12V 50A 0603

16428

VAR-18094157M3P-XK

VAR-18094157M3P-XK

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 15.7V RING SURFACE ELEC

0

VAR-18094320M3P-XK

VAR-18094320M3P-XK

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 32V RING SURFACE ELECT

0

AVR-M1005C120MTAAB

AVR-M1005C120MTAAB

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 12V 10A 0402

6334

AVRM2012C330KT801N

AVRM2012C330KT801N

TDK Corporation

2.0 X 1.2MM EIA0805

0

AVRH10C270KT150NA8

AVRH10C270KT150NA8

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 27V 2A 0402

13841

VAR-18085077M3P-XK

VAR-18085077M3P-XK

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 7.65V RING SURFACE ELEC

0

AVR-M1608C270MTABB

AVR-M1608C270MTABB

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 27V 2A 0603

8620

VAR-18094115M3P-XK

VAR-18094115M3P-XK

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 11.5V RING SURFACE ELEC

91

AVRL061FR50ETA

AVRL061FR50ETA

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 140V 2SMD NO LEAD

7365

AVR-M1608C270KT6AB

AVR-M1608C270KT6AB

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 27V 48A 0603

264

VAR-18085115M3P-YK

VAR-18085115M3P-YK

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 11.5V RING SURFACE ELEC

0

AVRM0402C120MT330N

AVRM0402C120MT330N

TDK Corporation

COMMERCIAL GRADE, MULTILAYER CHI

20000

AVRL101C2R2DTA

AVRL101C2R2DTA

TDK Corporation

1.0X0.5MM EIA 0402 LOW CAP SERIE

0

AVRL041E1R1NTA

AVRL041E1R1NTA

TDK Corporation

COMMERCIAL GRADE, MULTILAYER CHI

17380

AVRM1608C720KT750M

AVRM1608C720KT750M

TDK Corporation

AUTO. GRADE,MLV,75PF,53VDC,0805

1

AVRL101A6R8GTA

AVRL101A6R8GTA

TDK Corporation

VARISTOR 27V 0402

9740

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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