TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VGAS120616N390DP

VGAS120616N390DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 200A 1206

0

VC06AG18120YAT1A

VC06AG18120YAT1A

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 0603

715

VCAS06AP303R3LAT1A

VCAS06AP303R3LAT1A

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 120V 3A 0603

3348

VCAS040205X150WP

VCAS040205X150WP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 20A 0402

0

USB0002DP

USB0002DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 70V 4A 0405

1936

VC15MA0340KBA

VC15MA0340KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 47V 1.2KA 2220

2272

VGAS181218P440DP

VGAS181218P440DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 27.5V 800A 1812

0

V3AF418A400Y3GDP

V3AF418A400Y3GDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 20A 0612

0

VGAH121031R650DP

VGAH121031R650DP

Elco (AVX)

HIGH TEMPERATURE +150C AUTOMOTIV

6914

VCAS080518C400DP

VCAS080518C400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 120A 0805

489

VE13P01750K

VE13P01750K

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 270V 3.5KA DISC 13MM

0

VGAS222016Y400DP

VGAS222016Y400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 1.5KA 2220

988

VA100026D580DL

VA100026D580DL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 120A AXIAL

47

VC080514A300DP

VC080514A300DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 18.5V 40A 0805

1000

VC120638N770RP

VC120638N770RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 47V 200A 1206

3390

VC12LC18A500DP

VC12LC18A500DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 30A 1206

3000

VLAS080516C350DP

VLAS080516C350DP

Elco (AVX)

LOW CLAMP AUTOMOTIVE SERIES VAR

0

VC060330A650DP

VC060330A650DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 30A 0603

2119711000

MGUG040150L2DP

MGUG040150L2DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 20V 15A 0405

0

MAV0010DP

MAV0010DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 120V 2A 0603

52000

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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