TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOVS4032V060

MOVS4032V060

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 60V

0

MOVS2825V420

MOVS2825V420

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 420V

0

MLVC06V026C120

MLVC06V026C120

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 36V 30A 0603

4000

MLVB04V18C003

MLVB04V18C003

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 28V 0402

0

MLVC12V030C450

MLVC12V030C450

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 42V 120A 1206

3000

MLVC22V068C700

MLVC22V068C700

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 86V 600A 2220

0

MLVC22V056C1000

MLVC22V056C1000

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 72V 600A 2220

0

MLVC06V022C150

MLVC06V022C150

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 30V 30A 0603

4000

MOVS4032V150

MOVS4032V150

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 150V

0

MOVS4032V020

MOVS4032V020

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 20V

0

MOVS2825V025

MOVS2825V025

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 25V

0

MLVC08V018C180

MLVC08V018C180

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 25V 35A 0805

4000

MOVS4032V014

MOVS4032V014

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 14V

0

MLVC13V024C1050

MLVC13V024C1050

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 33V 300A 1210

3000

MLVC08V012C420

MLVC08V012C420

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 18V 120A 0805

4000

MLVC12V018C700

MLVC12V018C700

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 25V 150A 1206

3000

MLVC18V033C1100

MLVC18V033C1100

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 45V 500A 1812

0

MLVB06V18C001

MLVB06V18C001

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 53V 0603

0

MLVC06V016C180

MLVC06V016C180

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 22V 30A 0603

4000

MOVS2825V320

MOVS2825V320

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 320V

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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