TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VCUG120050H1DP

VCUG120050H1DP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VCAS121085S151RP

VCAS121085S151RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VC120614A300TP

VC120614A300TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

CANAT02DP

CANAT02DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 70V 4A 0405

0

VCUG120100H1TP

VCUG120100H1TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VCAS120656F111RP

VCAS120656F111RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VC121030S620DP

VC121030S620DP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

MG064S09A200RP

MG064S09A200RP

Elco (AVX)

MULTIGUARD

0

VC080526C580TP

VC080526C580TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VC121060J121TP

VC121060J121TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VC080509A200TP

VC080509A200TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VTA7060331A670DP

VTA7060331A670DP

Elco (AVX)

TVS, HI-TEMP. 175 C, 0603 EIA, 3

0

VCUG120075L1TP

VCUG120075L1TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VCAS121018J390TP

VCAS121018J390TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VC080530A650TP

VC080530A650TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VCUG080075L1TP

VCUG080075L1TP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

0

VCAS080518A400RP

VCAS080518A400RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

20000

VE17P01750K

VE17P01750K

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 270V 6KA DISC 17MM

0

VE24P00141K

VE24P00141K

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 220V 10KA DISC 24MM

0

VE07M01750K

VE07M01750K

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 270V 400A DISC 7MM

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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