TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MLVA02V05C033-R

MLVA02V05C033-R

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 11V 0201

0

MLVC12V014C800

MLVC12V014C800

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 20V 150A 1206

3000

MOVS4032V275

MOVS4032V275

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 275V

0

MLVC22V038C1800

MLVC22V038C1800

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 51V 600A 2220

0

MLVC18V042C1000

MLVC18V042C1000

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 56V 500A 1812

0

MLVC18V018C1800

MLVC18V018C1800

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 25V 500A 1812

0

MOVS2825V060

MOVS2825V060

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 60V

0

MLVC12V060C180

MLVC12V060C180

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 76V 120A 1206

0

MOVS2825V300

MOVS2825V300

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 300V

0

MOVS4032V025

MOVS4032V025

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 25V

0

MOVS2825V011

MOVS2825V011

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 11V

0

MLVB06V09C005

MLVB06V09C005

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 14V 0603

0

MLVC40V200C700

MLVC40V200C700

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 240V 1200A 4032

0

MOVS2825V030

MOVS2825V030

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 30V

0

MLVB04V09C005

MLVB04V09C005

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 14V 0402

10806

MOVS4032V195

MOVS4032V195

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 195V

0

MLVC40V018C4500

MLVC40V018C4500

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 22V 250A 4032

0

MLVC22V022C3500

MLVC22V022C3500

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 30V 600A 2220

0

MLVC22V033C2000

MLVC22V033C2000

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 45V 600A 2220

0

MLVB06V18C003

MLVB06V18C003

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 28V 0603

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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