TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOVS4032V230

MOVS4032V230

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 230V

0

MLVC13V018C1200

MLVC13V018C1200

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 25V 300A 1210

3000

MLVC40V045C2500

MLVC40V045C2500

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 56V 250A 4032

0

MLVC08V026C280

MLVC08V026C280

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 36V 100A 0805

4000

MLVC13V030C800

MLVC13V030C800

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 42V 280A 1210

3000

MLVC06V018C170

MLVC06V018C170

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 25V 30A 0603

4000

TVSA02V05C006

TVSA02V05C006

PowerStor (Eaton)

TVS DIODE ESD 5V 0201 6PF

0

MLVC40V038C2800

MLVC40V038C2800

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 47V 250A 4032

0

MOVS2825V050

MOVS2825V050

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 50V

0

MLVC06V030C100

MLVC06V030C100

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 42V 30A 0603

4000

MOVS2825V130

MOVS2825V130

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 130V

0

MOVS4032V300

MOVS4032V300

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 300V

0

MOVS4032V485

MOVS4032V485

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 485V

0

MLVC18V016C1900

MLVC18V016C1900

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 22V 500A 1812

0

MLVA02V05C064-R

MLVA02V05C064-R

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 11V 0201

0

MOVS4032V180

MOVS4032V180

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 180V

0

MLVC40V170C900

MLVC40V170C900

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 205V 1200A 4032

0

MLVA06V05C270-R

MLVA06V05C270-R

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 13V 30A 0603

1486

MLVB04V18C001

MLVB04V18C001

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 53V 0402

10000

MOVS4032V510

MOVS4032V510

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 510V

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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