TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VC121085S151DP

VC121085S151DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 100V 250A 1210

6696

VLAS060316A350RP

VLAS060316A350RP

Elco (AVX)

LOW CLAMP AUTOMOTIVE SERIES VAR

0

VJ14MA0160KBA

VJ14MA0160KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 800A 1812

20512500

VCAS060330A650DP

VCAS060330A650DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 30A 0603

0

VCAS121048H101DP

VCAS121048H101DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 1210

17856000

V2AF114A300Y2EDP

V2AF114A300Y2EDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 18.5V 30A 0805

1000

VC121030G620DP

VC121030G620DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 220A 1210

2113

VCAS06LC18X500TP

VCAS06LC18X500TP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 32.5V 30A 0603

99933

VC06LC18X500DP

VC06LC18X500DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 30A 0603

3000

VC080509A200RP

VC080509A200RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.7V 40A 0805

37504000

VCH4AG100R8MATWA

VCH4AG100R8MATWA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 125V 0402

0

VCH4AG150R4MATWA

VCH4AG150R4MATWA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 135V 0402

35031

VC060326A580RP

VC060326A580RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 30A 0603

0

VC080505C150TP

VC080505C150TP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 120A 0805

10045

VC080526A580RP

VC080526A580RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 30A 0805

0

VA100005D150DL

VA100005D150DL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 150A AXIAL

3791

VC121048H101RP

VC121048H101RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 62V 250A 1210

0

VCAS120626D580DP

VCAS120626D580DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 120A 1206

0

VA100005A150DL

VA100005A150DL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 40A AXIAL

2303

MG064L18X500TP

MG064L18X500TP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 28V 20A 0612

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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