TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VE17P02750KED

VE17P02750KED

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 430V 6KA DISC 17MM

0

VE09M00251K

VE09M00251K

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 390V 1.2KA DISC 9MM

0

VE07P01750K

VE07P01750K

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 270V 800A DISC 7MM

0

VE09P00301K

VE09P00301K

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 470V 1.75KA DISC 9MM

0

VE17M00551K--

VE17M00551K--

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 860V 4.5KA DISC 17MM

0

VE13M00131K

VE13M00131K

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 205V 2.5KA DISC 13MM

0

VE13M00400K--

VE13M00400K--

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 68V 500A DISC 13MM

0

VE17M00461K--

VE17M00461K--

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 750V 4.5KA DISC 17MM

0

VE17M00200K--

VE17M00200K--

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 33V 1KA DISC 17MM

0

VE17M00400K--

VE17M00400K--

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 68V 1KA DISC 17MM

0

VE24P00321K--

VE24P00321K--

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 510V 8KA DISC 24MM

0

VE24M02750K

VE24M02750K

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 430V 6.5KA DISC 24MM

0

VE13P01750KED

VE13P01750KED

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 270V 3.5KA DISC 13MM

0

VE09M00251KDD

VE09M00251KDD

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 390V 1.2KA DISC 9MM

0

VE13M00131KED

VE13M00131KED

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 205V 2.5KA DISC 13MM

0

VE24M00421K--

VE24M00421K--

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 680V 6.5KA DISC 24MM

0

VE09M00131K

VE09M00131K

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 205V 1.2KA DISC 9MM

0

VE09M00250K--

VE09M00250K--

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 39V 250A DISC 9MM

0

VE13M00170K--

VE13M00170K--

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 27V 500A DISC 13MM

0

VE09P00141K

VE09P00141K

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 220V 1.75KA DISC 9MM

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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