TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VCUG060075L1DP

VCUG060075L1DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 30A 0603

428

VCAS080531C650DP

VCAS080531C650DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 39V 80A 0805

131

VCAC060326C820MRP

VCAC060326C820MRP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 36V 30A 0603

28000

VG181216P390DP

VG181216P390DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 1KA 1812

0

V2AF114C300Y1FDP

V2AF114C300Y1FDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 18.5V 120A 0805

0

V2AF118C400Y1FDP

V2AF118C400Y1FDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 120A 0805

168

VCAS080530C650DP

VCAS080530C650DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 80A 0805

185

VC14MT0600KBA

VC14MT0600KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 100V 400A 1812

21

VCAS120618D400DP

VCAS120618D400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 150A 1206

226

VG120618D400DP

VG120618D400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 150A 1206

0

VC120631M650RP

VC120631M650RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 1206

10000

VGAS181216P400DP

VGAS181216P400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 1KA 1812

0

VA100018D400RL

VA100018D400RL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 150A AXIAL

0

VCAS120626F540DP

VCAS120626F540DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 33V 200A 1206

1520

VC120638N770DP

VC120638N770DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 47V 200A 1206

4206

VC121048G101TP

VC121048G101TP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 62V 220A 1210

0

VC060314A300DP

VC060314A300DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 18.5V 30A 0603

46759

VCAS120614A300DP

VCAS120614A300DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 18.5V 40A 1206

0

VCUG080100L1DP

VCUG080100L1DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 30A 0805

0

VCAS120618D400RP

VCAS120618D400RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

12000

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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