TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VCAS040214X300WP

VCAS040214X300WP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 18.5V 20A 0402

0

VGAH121026H560DP

VGAH121026H560DP

Elco (AVX)

HIGH TEMPERATURE +150C AUTOMOTIV

550

V2AF118X500Y3DDP

V2AF118X500Y3DDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 20A 0805

0

VJ13PC0480KBA

VJ13PC0480KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 60.5V 250A 1210

50

VGAH121016J400DP

VGAH121016J400DP

Elco (AVX)

HIGH TEMPERATURE +150C AUTOMOTIV

8000

VCAS060318A400RP

VCAS060318A400RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VC080505A150RP

VC080505A150RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 40A 0805

23850

VGAS121065P131DP

VGAS121065P131DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 82V 350A 1210

472

VCAS06LC18X500DP

VCAS06LC18X500DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 30A 0603

883

VC15PA0160KBA

VC15PA0160KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 1.2KA 2220

14881250

VC060318A400DP

VC060318A400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 30A 0603

18995

VG181231P650DP

VG181231P650DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 39V 800A 1812

19990

VGAS181234U770DP

VGAS181234U770DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 47V 800A 1812

3388

VJ14M00300KBA

VJ14M00300KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 47V 800A 1812

38

MG052L18X500DP

MG052L18X500DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 28V 20A 0508

0

VCUG080150L1DP

VCUG080150L1DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 31.1V 30A 0805

675

MGUG050050L2DP

MGUG050050L2DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 17.2V 30A 0508

0

VE09P01750K

VE09P01750K

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 270V 1.75KA DISC 9MM

0

VA100014A300DL

VA100014A300DL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 18.5V 40A AXIAL

1537

VC080518A400DP

VC080518A400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 30A 0805

202

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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