TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MLVC12V048C240

MLVC12V048C240

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 62V 120A 1206

3000

MOVS4032V320

MOVS4032V320

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 320V

0

MLVA06V18C150-R

MLVA06V18C150-R

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 28V 30A 0603

3852

MLVC40V100C1500

MLVC40V100C1500

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 120V 1200A 4032

0

MOVS2825V210

MOVS2825V210

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 210V

0

MLVC06V014C190

MLVC06V014C190

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 20V 30A 0603

4000

MOVS2825V230

MOVS2825V230

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 230V

0

MOVS2825V020

MOVS2825V020

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 20V

0

MOVS4032V130

MOVS4032V130

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 130V

0

MLVA04V14C090

MLVA04V14C090

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 18V 20A 0402

90

MLVC13V045C550

MLVC13V045C550

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 60V 280A 1210

3000

MOVS2825V014

MOVS2825V014

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 14V

0

MLVC12V056C200

MLVC12V056C200

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 72V 120A 1206

3000

MOVS4032V040

MOVS4032V040

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 40V

0

MLVC13V038C650

MLVC13V038C650

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 51V 280A 1210

3000

MOVS4032V095

MOVS4032V095

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 95V

0

MOVS2825V120

MOVS2825V120

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 120V

0

MLVC12V016C750

MLVC12V016C750

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 22V 150A 1206

0

MLVA02V05C047-R

MLVA02V05C047-R

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 11V 0201

0

MOVS4032V075

MOVS4032V075

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 75V

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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