TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VC080526C580RP

VC080526C580RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 100A 0805

5425

VG121018J400DP

VG121018J400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 500A 1210

1161

VC060305A150DP

VC060305A150DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 30A 0603

816

MG064L18X500DP

MG064L18X500DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 28V 20A 0612

719

VCAS120645K900DP

VCAS120645K900DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 56V 200A 1206

670

VC080512A250DP

VC080512A250DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 16V 40A 0805

0

VG181216P400DP

VG181216P400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 1KA 1812

0

VA100030D650DL

VA100030D650DL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 120A AXIAL

2000

VC060309A200DP

VC060309A200DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.7V 30A 0603

694

USB0002RP

USB0002RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 70V 4A 0405

7898

V2AF105A150Y2EDP

V2AF105A150Y2EDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 30A 0805

650

VC15MA0160KBA

VC15MA0160KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 1.2KA 2220

1391

VC080530A650RP

VC080530A650RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 30A 0805

15913

VC080531C650DP

VC080531C650DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 39V 80A 0805

4876

VCAS080518C400RP

VCAS080518C400RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 120A 0805

7799

VC120603D100RP

VC120603D100RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 5V 150A 1206

0

VCAS040209X200WP

VCAS040209X200WP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.7V 20A 0402

1228

VC060303A100DP

VC060303A100DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 5V 30A 0603

71436

VG181238U770DP

VG181238U770DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 47V 800A 1812

20949

CAN0005WP

CAN0005WP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 33V 10A 0402

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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