TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOVS2825V360

MOVS2825V360

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 360V

0

MLVC40V031C3000

MLVC40V031C3000

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 39V 250A 4032

0

MOVS2825V095

MOVS2825V095

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 95V

0

MOVS4032V050

MOVS4032V050

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 50V

0

MOVS4032V011

MOVS4032V011

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 11V

0

MOVS4032V030

MOVS4032V030

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 30V

0

MLVC08V016C380

MLVC08V016C380

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 22V 120A 0805

4000

MOVS4032V120

MOVS4032V120

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 120V

0

MOVS2825V195

MOVS2825V195

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 195V

0

MLVB04V18C0R5

MLVB04V18C0R5

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 105V 0402

16662

MLVC12V042C260

MLVC12V042C260

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 56V 120A 1206

3000

MOVS2825V075

MOVS2825V075

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 75V

0

MLVA06V26C100-R

MLVA06V26C100-R

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 37V 30A 0603

0

MOVS4032V017

MOVS4032V017

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 17V

0

MLVC12V038C310

MLVC12V038C310

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 51V 120A 1206

0

MLVC13V048C510

MLVC13V048C510

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 62V 280A 1210

3000

MOVS4032V390

MOVS4032V390

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 390V

0

MOVS4032V250

MOVS4032V250

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 250V

0

MLVA06V09C210-R

MLVA06V09C210-R

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 16.5V 30A 0603

123

MLVA04V05C270-R

MLVA04V05C270-R

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 13V 20A 0402

15466

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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