TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MLVC22V030C2200

MLVC22V030C2200

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 42V 600A 2220

0

MLVC12V026C500

MLVC12V026C500

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 36V 120A 1206

3000

MLVC18V060C650

MLVC18V060C650

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 76V 500A 1812

0

MOVS2825V390

MOVS2825V390

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 390V

0

MOVS4032V420

MOVS4032V420

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 4032 420V

0

MLVC18V030C1200

MLVC18V030C1200

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 42V 500A 1812

0

MLVC08V014C400

MLVC08V014C400

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 20V 120A 0805

4000

MLVC18V038C1050

MLVC18V038C1050

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 51V 500A 1812

0

MLVC22V018C4000

MLVC22V018C4000

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 25V 600A 2220

0

MOVS2825V150

MOVS2825V150

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR SMD 2825 150V

0

MLVC40V085C1700

MLVC40V085C1700

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 100V 1200A 4032

0

MLVC13V056C450

MLVC13V056C450

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 72V 250A 1210

3000

MLVC12V018C270

MLVC12V018C270

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 25V 35A 1206

0

MLVC13V042C580

MLVC13V042C580

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 56V 280A 1210

0

MLVC12V024C230

MLVC12V024C230

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 33V 35A 1206

0

MLVC12V022C250

MLVC12V022C250

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 30V 35A 1206

0

MLVC32V056C1200

MLVC32V056C1200

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 68V 100A 3225

0

MLVC12V065C100

MLVC12V065C100

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 82V 35A 1206

0

MLVC08V014C200

MLVC08V014C200

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 20V 35A 0805

0

MLVC13V065C400

MLVC13V065C400

PowerStor (Eaton)

VARISTOR 82V 250A 1210

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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