TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VCAS060326A580DP

VCAS060326A580DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 30A 0603

197

VC14MA0160KBA

VC14MA0160KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 800A 1812

1401

VC08LC18A500RP

VC08LC18A500RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 30A 0805

376416000

VC06LC18X500TP

VC06LC18X500TP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 32.5V 30A 0603

0

VC20M00140KBA

VC20M00140KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 22V 200A 1206

0

VC120614A300RP

VC120614A300RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 18.5V 40A 1206

0

VG222026Y570DP

VG222026Y570DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 35V 1.1KA 2220

0

VGAH222022Y490DP

VGAH222022Y490DP

Elco (AVX)

HIGH TEMPERATURE +150C AUTOMOTIV

8000

VGAH120631M650DP

VGAH120631M650DP

Elco (AVX)

HIGH TEMPERATURE +150C AUTOMOTIV

960

VJ15MA0340KBA

VJ15MA0340KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 2220

0

VGAS181242U900DP

VGAS181242U900DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 56V 500A 1812

922

VCAS120660M131DP

VCAS120660M131DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 82V 150A 1206

0

V2AF126C600Y2EDP

V2AF126C600Y2EDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 80A 0805

3

V2F109C200Y1FDP

V2F109C200Y1FDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.7V 120A 0805

0

VC120605D150RP

VC120605D150RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 150A 1206

5183

VGAS181216P390DP

VGAS181216P390DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 1KA 1812

1808

VCAS120645K900TP

VCAS120645K900TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VCUG080100H1DP

VCUG080100H1DP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VC06LC18X500RP

VC06LC18X500RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

50

VCUG080150H1RP

VCUG080150H1RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

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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