TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VTA7060318A400DP

VTA7060318A400DP

Elco (AVX)

TVS, HI-TEMP. 175 C, 0603 EIA, 1

0

VCAS080530A650DP

VCAS080530A650DP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VA100003D100BL

VA100003D100BL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR LEADED

0

VCUG080030H1RP

VCUG080030H1RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VTA7060318A400RP

VTA7060318A400RP

Elco (AVX)

TVS, HI-TEMP. 175 C, 0603 EIA, 1

0

VA100005A150TL

VA100005A150TL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR LEADED

0

VCAS120618E380RP

VCAS120618E380RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VA100018A400TL

VA100018A400TL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR LEADED

0

VCUG120050H1RP

VCUG120050H1RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VC060330A650TP

VC060330A650TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VCAS080514A300RP

VCAS080514A300RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VCAS120645K900RP

VCAS120645K900RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VCAS080514C300RX

VCAS080514C300RX

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VCAS080530A650TP

VCAS080530A650TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VC060303A100RP-H

VC060303A100RP-H

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

MG052S09A200RP

MG052S09A200RP

Elco (AVX)

MULTIGUARD

0

VCUG120100L1DP

VCUG120100L1DP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VC120603D100TP

VC120603D100TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VCUG040100L1WP

VCUG040100L1WP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

MG052S09A200TP

MG052S09A200TP

Elco (AVX)

MULTIGUARD

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
RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top