TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VG121038S770DP

VG121038S770DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 47V 400A 1210

4321000

VG181265U131DP

VG181265U131DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 82V 400A 1812

525

VCAS080526C580RP

VCAS080526C580RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 100A 0805

3330

VC20MA0160KBA

VC20MA0160KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 200A 1206

369

VC060303A100RP

VC060303A100RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 5V 30A 0603

11730

VCH4AG150R8MATWA

VCH4AG150R8MATWA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 125V 0402

4636

VGAS120616K390DP

VGAS120616K390DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 200A 1206

0

VGAH222026Y570DP

VGAH222026Y570DP

Elco (AVX)

HIGH TEMPERATURE +150C AUTOMOTIV

7890

V2AF109C200Y1FDP

V2AF109C200Y1FDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.7V 120A 0805

517

V2AF118A400Y2EDP

V2AF118A400Y2EDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 30A 0805

0

V2F126C600Y2EDP

V2F126C600Y2EDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 80A 0805

16000

VC080505C150DP

VC080505C150DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 120A 0805

3200

VC080512A250RP

VC080512A250RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 16V 40A 0805

0

MG064S14A300DP

MG064S14A300DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 19.5V 30A 0612

6452

VC020105T150WP

VC020105T150WP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.8V 2A 0201

56821

VCUG040150L1WP

VCUG040150L1WP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25V 15A 0402

0

VC121030H620TP

VC121030H620TP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 280A 1210

0

VA100048D101DL

VA100048D101DL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 62V 100A AXIAL

0

VGAS120626F540DP

VGAS120626F540DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 33V 200A 1206

0

VCAS120614D300DP

VCAS120614D300DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 18.5V 150A 1206

1349

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
RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top