TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VC080503A100RP

VC080503A100RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 5V 40A 0805

1500

VC121048H101DP

VC121048H101DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 62V 250A 1210

17

VC120605A150RP

VC120605A150RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 40A 1206

2687

VC120630D650RP

VC120630D650RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 120A 1206

583

VLAS121016J350RP

VLAS121016J350RP

Elco (AVX)

LOW CLAMP AUTOMOTIVE SERIES VAR

1990

VCAS06AG18120YAT1A

VCAS06AG18120YAT1A

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 0603

0

V2F109A200Y2EDP

V2F109A200Y2EDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.7V 30A 0805

550

VC080505C150RP

VC080505C150RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 120A 0805

2630

VCAS120630D650DP

VCAS120630D650DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 120A 1206

1071

VC120603D100DP

VC120603D100DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 5V 150A 1206

6639

VGAH121016S390DP

VGAH121016S390DP

Elco (AVX)

HIGH TEMPERATURE +150C AUTOMOTIV

990

VC060309A200TP

VC060309A200TP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.7V 30A 0603

0

VC120648D101DP

VC120648D101DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 62V 100A 1206

7826

VC120626D580DP

VC120626D580DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 120A 1206

7864

VC120605A150DP

VC120605A150DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 40A 1206

5737

VG181226P570DP

VG181226P570DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 35V 600A 1812

512

VC080530A650DP

VC080530A650DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 30A 0805

9115

VC120626D580RP

VC120626D580RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 120A 1206

10121

VLAS120616E350DP

VLAS120616E350DP

Elco (AVX)

LOW CLAMP AUTOMOTIVE SERIES VAR

827

VA100018D400DL

VA100018D400DL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 150A AXIAL

492

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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