TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOVS4032V035

MOVS4032V035

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 35V

0

MLVB06V18C0R5

MLVB06V18C0R5

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 105V 0603

0

MOVS2825V017

MOVS2825V017

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 17V

0

MOVS2825V250

MOVS2825V250

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 250V

0

MLVC12V033C400

MLVC12V033C400

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 45V 120A 1206

0

MOVS2825V035

MOVS2825V035

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 35V

0

MOVS4032V460

MOVS4032V460

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 460V

0

MLVC13V026C1000

MLVC13V026C1000

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 36V 280A 1210

3000

MLVC12V012C850

MLVC12V012C850

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 18V 150A 1206

0

MOVS4032V360

MOVS4032V360

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 360V

0

MLVC18V048C900

MLVC18V048C900

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 62V 500A 1812

0

MLVC40V026C3500

MLVC40V026C3500

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 33V 250A 4032

0

MOVS2825V275

MOVS2825V275

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 275V

0

MOVS2825V180

MOVS2825V180

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 180V

0

MOVS2825V040

MOVS2825V040

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 40V

0

MOVS2825V140

MOVS2825V140

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 140V

0

MOVS4032V210

MOVS4032V210

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 210V

0

MLVC08V018C360

MLVC08V018C360

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 25V 100A 0805

4000

MOVS4032V140

MOVS4032V140

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 140V

0

MLVC08V012C220

MLVC08V012C220

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 18V 35A 0805

4000

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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