TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MGUG060100L4TP

MGUG060100L4TP

Elco (AVX)

MULTIGUARD

0

VCAS060326A580TP

VCAS060326A580TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VC120642L800RP

VC120642L800RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VA100005A150RL

VA100005A150RL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR LEADED

0

VCAS120626D580RP

VCAS120626D580RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

MGUG050050L2RP

MGUG050050L2RP

Elco (AVX)

MULTIGUARD

0

VA100030D650TL

VA100030D650TL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR LEADED

0

VA10LC18A500TL

VA10LC18A500TL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR LEADED

0

VCAS080526C580TP

VCAS080526C580TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VCUG080075H1TP

VCUG080075H1TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VCUG120075H1DP

VCUG120075H1DP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VA100005A150BL

VA100005A150BL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR LEADED

0

VCAS080526A580RP

VCAS080526A580RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VA100003A100DL

VA100003A100DL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR LEADED

0

VCAS060318A400TP

VCAS060318A400TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VCAS060314A300RP

VCAS060314A300RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

MGUG040150L2RP

MGUG040150L2RP

Elco (AVX)

MULTIGUARD

0

VCLD06LC18X500RB

VCLD06LC18X500RB

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VC080518C400TP

VC080518C400TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VA200060K121RL

VA200060K121RL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR LEADED

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