TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VC080538C770DP

VC080538C770DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 47V 80A 0805

950

VCAS080505A150RP

VCAS080505A150RP

Elco (AVX)

TRANSGUARD

8000

VCUG080050L1DP

VCUG080050L1DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 10.8V 40A 0805

0

VR15AT18A650R

VR15AT18A650R

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 30A RADIAL

13

VCAS120634N770DP

VCAS120634N770DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 47V 200A 1206

1000

VC14MT0950KBA

VC14MT0950KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 150V 250A 1812

0

VCAS080505A150DP

VCAS080505A150DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 40A 0805

70

VC080518C400RP

VC080518C400RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 100A 0805

8375

VC060330A650RP

VC060330A650RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 30A 0603

6990

VC080526C580DP

VC080526C580DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 100A 0805

3453

VA100018A400DL

VA100018A400DL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 40A AXIAL

2000

V3AF418X500Y3GDP

V3AF418X500Y3GDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 15A 0612

0

VCAS080514C300DP

VCAS080514C300DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 18.5V 120A 0805

0

VC080505A150DP

VC080505A150DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 40A 0805

31777

VCAC060322A470NRP

VCAC060322A470NRP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 32.5V 30A 0603

0

VGAS222026Y570DP

VGAS222026Y570DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 35V 1.1KA 2220

0

VJ13MC0600KBA

VJ13MC0600KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 75V 250A 1210

147

VA100014D300DL

VA100014D300DL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 18.5V 150A AXIAL

969

VA100003D100DL

VA100003D100DL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 5V 150A AXIAL

0

VCAS120648D101DP

VCAS120648D101DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 62V 100A 1206

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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