TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MG064S09A200DP

MG064S09A200DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.7V 30A 0612

1701

VCAS121026H560DP

VCAS121026H560DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 300A 1210

581

VCAS080509A200DP

VCAS080509A200DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.7V 40A 0805

169

VCAS080538C770RP

VCAS080538C770RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 0805

0

VC121030H620DP

VC121030H620DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 280A 1210

411

VJ14MT0950KBA

VJ14MT0950KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 150V 250A 1812

20001000

VG222016Y400DP

VG222016Y400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 1.5KA 2220

0

VC121060J121RP

VC121060J121RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 76V 250A 1210

9509

VCAS060326A580RP

VCAS060326A580RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 30A 0603

4000

VC120642L800DP

VC120642L800DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 51V 180A 1206

2000

VC060305A150RP

VC060305A150RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 30A 0603

0

VCUG040030L1WP

VCUG040030L1WP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 6.8V 20A 0402

0

VJ13MC0260KBA

VJ13MC0260KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 33V 300A 1210

0

VC080503A100DP

VC080503A100DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 5V 40A 0805

8440

VJ13MC0480KBA

VJ13MC0480KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 60.5V 220A 1210

2

V2AF109A200Y2EDP

V2AF109A200Y2EDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.7V 30A 0805

1000

VC121018J390RP

VC121018J390RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 500A 1210

0

VG181256U111DP

VG181256U111DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 68V 500A 1812

0

VC121018J390TP

VC121018J390TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

10000

VCAS04AP301R5DATWA

VCAS04AP301R5DATWA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 180V 1A 0402

9199

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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