TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VCAS060330A650RP

VCAS060330A650RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 30A 0603

59035

VC080518C400DP

VC080518C400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 100A 0805

9008

VC120614D300RP

VC120614D300RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 18.5V 150A 1206

3649

VCASH4AG160R8MATWA

VCASH4AG160R8MATWA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 125V 0402

9325

VGAH222016Y400DP

VGAH222016Y400DP

Elco (AVX)

HIGH TEMPERATURE +150C AUTOMOTIV

975

VC04AG183R0YATWA

VC04AG183R0YATWA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 0402

30000

VG222056Y111DP

VG222056Y111DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 68V 1KA 2220

54

VC060318A400RP

VC060318A400RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 30A 0603

2884

VG120626F540DP

VG120626F540DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 33V 200A 1206

0

VCAS060305A150DP

VCAS060305A150DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 30A 0603

2000

VC080518A400RP

VC080518A400RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 30A 0805

80344000

VGAH120616K390DP

VGAH120616K390DP

Elco (AVX)

HIGH TEMPERATURE +150C AUTOMOTIV

1000

VGAS181231P650DP

VGAS181231P650DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 39V 800A 1812

0

CANAT01DP

CANAT01DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 120V 4A 0603

0

VJ32M02750KBA

VJ32M02750KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 3220

1323

VCAS121018J390DP

VCAS121018J390DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 500A 1210

4822

VE17M00211K

VE17M00211K

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 330V 4.5KA DISC 17MM

0

VCUG060100L1DP

VCUG060100L1DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 23V 30A 0603

26805

VC121048G101DP

VC121048G101DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 62V 220A 1210

828

VG181245U900DP

VG181245U900DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 56V 500A 1812

188

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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